Josephine R. Kozak

Josephine R. Kozak, 95, of Palm Desert, California, formerly of Chesterland, Orwell, and East Lake, Ohio, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025, after a short illness.
She was born on June 8, 1930, in Quebec, Canada, the daughter of the late Arthur and Ellen (nee Hallsworth) Martin. Jo was raised near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and remained a Canadian citizen after her relocation to the States.
Following her graduation from Lisgar Collegiate, she furthered her education at the former Western Reserve College in Cleveland earning a bachelor's degree in arts. There she met her future husband, Anthony J. Kozak, who was also pursuing a degree in art at the Cleveland Institute of Art. They were married November 25, 1950, in Ottawa, Canada.
Moving to rural Chester Township in Geauga County, she spent the next 50 years raising a family, continuing her education, and pursuing various careers, culminating with a 20-year position as Director of Public Relations with the Cleveland Sight Center. In this position, Jo coordinated the Beep Baseball World Series in Cleveland. She also oversaw the Cleveland Sight Center Scrappers at the Beep Ball World Series in Japan and South Korea.
Jo was involved and active. She spent many years as an usher at Dobama Theater in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, helped set up and run a food coop at Chesterland Community Church, and was a busy member of League of Women Voters and the American Red Cross. As a multimedia artist, she taught several courses at Akron University. Jo was an avid downhill skier, bridge player, racing sailboat crew member, and hot-air balloon chase team member. Always up for an adventure, she visited the Galapagos Islands, investigated Egypt just before the uprising, then headed north to see polar bears and the aurora borealis. She traveled extensively across the U.S., Canada, Central America, Europe, and Great Britain.
She is survived by her children, Julianne (James) Spreng of Loudonville, Ohio, Stephanie (Peter) Brown of San Diego, California, Paulla (Bruce) Williamson of Loudonville, Ohio, and Allison (Howard Yellen) Kozak of San Francisco, California; one grandson, Byron (Ronda Gray) Spreng of Ashland, Ohio; and one great granddaughter, Alaina Spreng of Ashland, Ohio.
Josephine is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and husband, Anthony.
Interment will be a private ceremony at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.
Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website at denbowfh.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to your local hospice or favorite organization.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.