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Jane Josiah Obituary
Last year, Jane Josiah began a series of visits to far-flung family and friends that did not end for nearly a year. She did not begin looking for work after being laid off last winter. Instead she flew from Texas, where she had moved seven years earlier, to Seattle to see her brother and sister-in-law.
Soon after, she went to Washington for a few weeks with Jennifer and Kelly, her daughters. Then she stayed with friends in Philadelphia and Long Island.
Ms. Josiah, 47, had a gift for making friends, loving them and kicking up her heels with them, said Debra Potash, who knew her 20 years.
The visiting culminated with Ms. Josiah's 30th high school reunion in Levittown, on Long Island, where old friends persuaded her to come home. After one found her a job at Fiduciary Trust, she drove north to Mrs. Potash's home on Long Island. Her first day was Aug. 27.
All the traveling had made Ms. Josiah's daughters a bit impatient. "It was supposed to be a month," Jennifer said. "Then two months. Then four."
Now, she said, the months her mother spent with the people she loved seem like an unmatchable gift.
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Karen
September 11, 2024
Jane,
We had our 53 rd class reunion this past July, you were definitely missed.
On this 23 rd anniversary of that awful day of 911 I think of you all the time, we were friends in HS. And you are missed.
Karen
Furman Rogers
September 11, 2019
Dear Jane
May you rest in peace.
I asked you for a date in high school, and you were honest with me that you liked another boy.
I have since married and have grand children.
who knows what fate would have. I think of you too every day at this time of year.
Jim Blumling
September 11, 2019
I remember hanging out with you and Scott back in high school and all the fun we had and laughing at Arnie's jokes, and I remember talking to you at our 30th high school reunion and how happy you were to be coming back home to Long Island. I think of you every year on this day with sadness over losing you to such a terrible event and with some smiles thinking of old times.
Crystal Tipton
September 11, 2016
I still think of you often. Remembering your smile and your soothing personality. You helped me a lot the short time I knew you. Wished you were still here and was able to spend more time with your daughters and grandchildren.
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Pat Hagan
September 11, 2015
Fourteen years....still heartbroken and missing you so much. Love you always Jane.
Conny Lupton
September 11, 2014
Every year it's always the same. That realization is raw all over again the days leading up to September 11th. This year my step daughter took a picture of your name for me, one day I'll find the courage to go. I love you and miss you just the same as 13 yrs ago.
Always in my heart and my mind Mama Jane!
XoXo
September 11, 2014
Your memory is still etched in my soul. The years have softened the pain and now a smile appears on my face. I feel lucky to have had shared some time and called you a friend. Hey if you could please help the Mets find their way!
Patrick Duncan
July 30, 2014
Jane...almost 13 years have passed since you left. Your memory has led me on a path to Afghanistan and now back home again.
I hope I served your memory with honor.
University of Texas at Austin flag at half-mast on 9-11-13
Audra Pineda Strubbe
September 11, 2013
Sending you a big ole bear hug, Mama Jane! Thought of you when I saw this image of the American flag at half-mast on the UT Austin campus today. Very fitting, as this was where I first met you while we were temping for ISME. Miss and love you!
Bill Phillips
September 11, 2013
Hi Jane, Think you you often, not only on this day. You are a shining light! Miss You -
Jjosiah, TSA K9
Angel
July 27, 2013
I did not have the opportunity to meet you in person. However, I do have the privilege of working with a wonderful canine partner named in your honor. Each day JJosiah and I learn the complexities of what makes an effective K9 team, together ensuring the safety of others. We hope to make you proud and that you are with us, guiding our path. Respectfully, Angel & JJosiah from Houston.
Michael Schoales
September 11, 2012
Think of you so often Jane, but ofcourse especially today and every 9/11 until I come to join you. You will be forever in our hearts.
Pat Hagan
September 11, 2012
Miss you more and more each day..the pain of your loss will never go away. Love you so much Jane!
Conny Lupton
September 11, 2012
Another year has passed. My what a year it's been. I miss you more than ever Mama Jane. This year especially, as you always had the best advice. 11 long years, I still grieve as though it was yesterday. You still appear in my dreams from time to time, I suspect to console me when times are tough, because that is just how you are. Unfortunately it is a fleeting comfort. I love and miss you so much Mama Jane!! We will never forget you!
Satish Venkatesan
September 10, 2012
Ms. Josiah:
I never knew you in person. But in the last few years, I have come to know your family and friends pretty well. I wanted to say that you have a great family and know how much you mean to them and how much they miss you.
My deepest sympathy to your family and friends.
I wish I had the opportunity to know you as well. May your soul rest in peace.
Satish
M Parker
September 8, 2012
Today I spent the morning in the National Arboretum with my children like I have almost every day for almost two years now. Somehow we ended up at a small pond we have never noticed before, and I sat down on a bench there to watch my three little ones ages 5, 4 and 2 running around the trees while I held our new baby girl. I noticed the dedication on the bench was to Jane Eileen Josiah, and realized she had died on September 11, 2001 and with that anniversary so close, sat thinking about her all morning. I thought about her children and her family, and how you all must miss her being a part of your life in the way she was before. I thought about my own mom who has also passed away...and decided that I had better remember to find more joy in each day I have here, to be a little more patient and calm with my little ones and treasure the moments I have with them. I came home later to read about Jane and realized that her siblings share two of the names of my own children, Ellen and James, and enjoyed getting to know a little bit about her. I am not doing my feelings any justice, but I thought I would tell you, just in case you still read these comments that today I was inspired by Jane. I thought about her. I felt honored to know something about her. I felt grateful for her life and her courage. I felt grateful for her family. I felt grateful to be reminded about the gift of life. I just wanted you to know that. That spot in the Arboretum will have a special place in my heart from now on. May God bless you and comfort you always.
Hannah English
September 13, 2011
Jane, the years pass and it doesn't make us miss you any less. It only makes us realize how amazing it would be to have you here with us. We are so blessed to have known you, and to have the privilege to have you change our lives. You got to live out your dream and that's the best anyone could have ever wanted for you. We can all say that we wish you had stayed in Texas but then we would have been depriving you of fulfilling what you had always wanted to do. God knew there was something bigger for you to do in heaven. It probably needed some cleaning up :). I only have happy memories of you and I love getting the chance to talk about them and share them with everyone.
No one in this world will ever be able to replace you, and no one will ever try. It's only a matter of time before we get to be together again. That will be the long awaited day we are all looking forward to. A chance to get to be with one of the most amazing people once again.
I know you're up there watching over us and I hope you continue to keep your loving arms around us. We can all feel your love and your warmth. Please don't ever leave us.
Rest In Paradise, Jane.
I love you.
Catherine Knipp
September 12, 2011
Miss you, Jane. Love you.
Pat Hagan
September 11, 2011
Jane, It's been 10 years today, feels like yesterday and feels like forever. It never gets easier and I miss you more each day. Miss my baseball buddy and best friend. Love you so much and wish you were here.
Lois Bechler Rice
September 11, 2011
Jane, I saw you at our 30th high school reunion in July 2001 and was heartbroken to learn you were a victim of the 9-11 attacks. You will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart.
Conny Lupton
September 11, 2011
10 yrs today. It doesn't seem that long ago we'd meet up for pool/girl talk time. I miss your hugs, your laugh, and your advice! I can't smell a skunk or see a goat without thinking of our fun memories. I still need to ride the train again, that was my favorite day with you and the zombie Burnet people! haha What a good story that made, You were a hoot lady! I miss you more than ever! <3
Audra Pineda Strubbe
September 11, 2011
Miss you my friend...
Laurie Placente
September 11, 2011
Jane, you will never be forgotten, on this day or any other day.We will be in class together again one day. Keep the books open.
Michael Schoales
September 11, 2011
Jane, We danced together twice. Once when we were kids at Tommy and Jimmy's party, and again at our 30th reunion in 2001. I still miss you terribly. We'll dance again one day.
Michele Schultz
September 10, 2011
Jane, I think of you everyday. You have left an indelible impression on my heart. I keep a flag for you in my home and touch it daily. I continually pray for your girls and their families. I miss you immensely. I know you are with our heavenly father. You will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know you.
Kevin Seltzer
September 10, 2011
I was given her name randomly on Facebook, and I will personally pray for the family on 9/11/11. May you have peace on that day, as well as all the others families. She will not be forgotten.
Robin Daskin
September 7, 2011
I spoke with you at our 30th High School reunion July 2001. You were looking to make a new start and be on hand for the birth of your first grandchild. I hope your grandbaby has been told about her wonderful and adventurous grandma. Rest in peace, dear classmate.
Stephanie Porpiglia
September 4, 2011
Although we did not know Jane personally, my husband and I participated in the America's 9/11 Ride this year in honor of her memory. May God bless your family Jane...you were taken way too soon.
Rita Sherwood
September 11, 2009
I graduated form H.S., in Levittown N.y. with Jane. Remember her a a very sweet and quite girl..may she live with the angels.To her family and children, my deepest sorrow.
Conny Lupton
September 11, 2008
7 years today, and needless to say I miss you as much as always. You are forever embedded in my heart and your smile in my memories. Every so often you appear in my dreams to console me and tell me you are alright. Unfortunately it is a fleeting comfort. We love and miss you Mama Jane.
John Hagan
September 2, 2008
I miss you so deeply.
Audra Pineda Strubbe
September 12, 2007
Jane, I think about you often...you're quick wit, zest for life, and your motherly love. Every time I smell a skunk, watch Urban Cowboy, or see an armadillo or a floppy-eared goat I can't help but smile. I remember the time you fell off your office chair when we worked together at U.T.! (This was only the first of MANY clumsy episodes...) But, the thing I miss the most are your awesome bear hugs! Love ya, Mamma Jane!
Patrick Duncan
September 11, 2007
Six years later and I can still see your smile....
Conny Lupton
September 11, 2007
Today is 09/11/07. This day still chokes me up. All I can say is someone up there needed you more than we did.
So much has changed in the last 6 yrs. I wish you were still around to meet my son. His name is Kaleb, he is an awesome lil fella. You would have liked him. He's a mini me, big smile and all.
I've yet to take down the pictures of us all from the poker party before you left us for NJ. Our friendships were captured perfectly in those pictures that night. I point to the pictures and tell my son about Mama Jane. I'll cherish those memories for as long as I live. I miss you as much as always.
Forever in my heart,
~*~Conny~*~
P Tabbernor
November 19, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 6, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Margaret English-Knipp
September 12, 2004
Jane,
It has been 3 years since God called you home. It seems like yesterday and it seems like forever. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. You were truly one of the best friends I've ever had. You gave so much to me, Kenneth, Hannah and Shawn. You were such a huge part of our family! There is a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.
I miss you so much , my Yankee friend!
Til we meet again in Heaven!
Love,
Margaret
Deb Potash
October 5, 2003
I miss you my friend!!!! I miss our 7:00 a.m. chats the most!!
Mama Jane and me at our going away poker game party!
Conny Lupton
September 11, 2003
Wow, it's been two years today and it still hurts like we just realized we lost her this morning. Mama Jane (as we fondly called her) was a compassionate and caring person. I will always cherish all of my memories of her. Going out dancing, especially to the 80's songs. All the times that we would make personal plans to go swimming together just to talk about life and it's ordeals. Watching her chesire grin as she kicked our butts at poker. I miss her bringing us chocolate covered graham crackers every time we'd had a get together (drunk cookies heheh). I miss her advice and level headedness.
She was always an inspiration to me because she was so strong willed and so compassionate towards everyday things in life. From goats to cactus to Billy Idol. These things she would get so animated about. Her love for people was extrodinary. It made you WANT to be around her. I know I tried to be around her every chance I could get before she moved back to NY.
I will always grieve and love Mama Jane. Most importantly my heart goes out to all of her family and the rest of our friends because I know they also share the love that I have for her as much as I do. It was painstaking to delete such trivial things in life like her email address from my address book or her phone numbers from my cell phone. I'll never forget a few months later scrolling through numbers on my cell and coming across her number titled "Jane's home". I finally deleted it from my cell thinking, "Yes she is, she is finally home".
Janet Brown
October 9, 2002
To the Family of Jane Eileen Josiah,
After attending a 911 memorial service, a local church invited people to a prayer vigil. Members of the church printed out each 911 victims name on a sheet of paper, stapled it to a paint stick, and lined both sides of the street with them. The sight of it took my breath away; it gave a visual representation of all of the precious people who lost their lives on that fateful day. May it comfort you to know that I took Jane's name home with me. I pray that God's grace be with you. My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Jane.
Janet Brown
Franklin, WI
[email protected]
Karen Kasson
September 13, 2002
Dear Josiah family;
Our church just had a memorial service on Wednesday, September 11, 2002. I received Jane's name on a prayer card that was issued that night. I just wanted to let you know that you are still in our hearts and in our prayers.
Michael Gossett
September 12, 2002
Mama Jane,
What's up girlfriend? Thanks for watching after us every time we would go out and making sure Wes and I ate when we went camping with Super Ken and Margaret. I know I didn't see you for a while before you left Austin, but I will always remember each and every laugh I heard and the smiles that came along with them. I guess by now you've heard that I got married April, 20 2002. Her name is Brandi and she really takes care of me and even makes sure Wes goes to bed on time. She even puts everything in plastic containers, just like you. So don't worry, I say that because I know you will, we're in good hands. I know you're up there somewhere and I asked my Dad and my Grandfather to keep you company. Do me a favor and check on them every now and then, they like to laugh as much as we do. Take care Jane, we love ya......
Angie Campbell
May 2, 2002
I did not know you or anyone else who passed away on 9/11/01, but I will never forget you or what happened. May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind who have to go one without you. Rest in his loving peace forever more.
Leslie Lambert
April 19, 2002
Our prayers are with you Kelly and Jen. Jane will always have a special place in our hearts.
Leslie & Sarah
Karen and Jessica Holt
April 19, 2002
I never met Jane but we have a mutual friend in Austin, Leslie Lambert. My thoughts and prayers are with Jane and her family.
Patrick Duncan
April 12, 2002
I only worked with Jane for a short time before she left Texas, but in that short time I learned what a wonderful heart and spirit she had.
God Bless you Jane Josiah, may you rest in his loving arms for all eternity. Amen.
Scott Drouin
March 19, 2002
Kelly, my thoughts and prayers are with you as sort through the tragic loss of your mother. I have confidence you will emerge a stronger person in the end. Best wishes for all your future successes of which there will be many. Remember that I'll always be there as your friend.
February 8, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS LOVELY WOMAN JANE EILEEN JOSIAH AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK ..MAY GOD GREET HER AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Debra Potash
February 6, 2002
Jane was one of my closest friends for many, many years. A friend whom you could confide in and know that confidence would never be broken. A friend who would offer kind criticism but never judge you. A friend who would help you without hesitation or question.
A friend whom I loved dearly and told her quite often as she did the same. In retrospect, I am glad we could do that. In my heart, I know she left this life feeling loved and I take comfort in that.
My prayers and thoughts are always with her family, especially her little grandaughter, Sara Eileen, whom she did not get to meet. But Sara Eileen has wonderful parents, aunts and uncles through whom she will get to know her grandmother, Jane Eileen.
Finally, my prayers go out to all the families of all the victims. They were all"heros". It is up to us to make sure the world does not forget any of them.
chase bowers law
January 16, 2002
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Teresa Jahn
December 28, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Jane. May Jane's life and love live on in those who love her. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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