Josephine "Jo'c" Touma

Josephine 'Jo'c' Touma of Methuen, active at St. Anthony Church; 80 METHUEN Josephine "Jo'c" (Awen) Touma, 80, of Methuen, died Sunday, August 26, 2007, at her home. She was the wife of Millerd J. "Mel" Touma, who died Sept. 3, 2006, and with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. Josephine was born in Lowell, Aug. 1, 1927, the daughter of the late Henry and Jennie (Mansour) Awen. She was a graduate of Lowell schools. She resided in Methuen since her marriage. For many years, she was employed as a secretary for the former Salvetti Insurance Agency and later the Catalano Insurance Agency of Methuen, from where she retired. She was a member of St. Anthony Maronite Church of Lawrence, and was very active in church and civic activities. She was the president of the United Lebanese Association, a member of the Daughters of St. Anthony, past president of the St. Basil's Woman's Guild, a member of the St. Joseph Prayer Group, and was a recipient of the prestigious Silver Massabki Award from the National Apostolate of Maronites. She was well-known for her pastry-making at the annual Mahrajan at St. Anthony's during Labor Day weekend. She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, and enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Michael J. Touma and his wife, Karen of Pelham, N.H., and David M. Touma; four daughters, Jennifer A. Touma, Elaine M. Daher, both of Methuen, Joyce E. Chadwell and her husband, Lincoln of Londonderry, N.H., and Gayle M Touma of Methuen; four grandchildren, Adam Daher, Nathan Daher, Michael Touma Jr., and Kristin Touma; a sister, Esther Herrman of Lowell; and several nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Joseph Awen and Edward Awen, both of Lowell. TOUMA Josephine "Jo'c" (Awen), 80, Aug. 26. A Funeral Mass will be held Wed. at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony Maronite Church, Amesbury St., Lawrence. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery, Methuen. Relatives and friends may call Tues. from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Boles Memorial-Baron-McAuliffe-Yameen Funeral Home, 184 Jackson St. (Rt. 110, North), Lawrence (978-686-0386). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Maronite Church, 145 Amesbury St., Lawrence, MA 01841.