Josephine Kaye Witkowski

Josephine K. Witkowski, 86, of Mishawaka, Indiana passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at The Center for Hospice Care Raclin House, in Mishawaka, Indiana surrounded by loving family members after a brief illness. Josephine was born in South Bend, Indiana to the late Lloyd and Helen (Hurd) Boxwell on April 14, 1939. She was preceded in death by her sister, Peggy (Boxwell) Mahank, and her beloved husband, Clifford W. Witkowski. Clifford and Josephine married on May 20, 1961, at St. Matthews Catholic Church in South Bend, enjoying a loving marriage that spanned over 60 years.

Josephine is survived by her children, Craig Witkowski of Lawndale, North Carolina, Rhonda Hanchar of Mishawaka, Indiana and David (Sharon) Witkowski of Elmira, Michigan; her granddaughter Miranda Hanchar, grandson Brent (Yvette) Witkowski and three great grandchildren Isaiah, Joshua and Olivia Witkowski. Josephine is also survived by many adored nieces and nephews.

Josephine was a graduate of Riley High School and a life-long Michiana resident. While starting their young family Jo (as many referred to her) and husband Cliff embarked on a 35-year journey of business ownership in Witkowski Art Studio, where Cliff was a self-employed commercial artist and Jo ran the business end side of things from home as well as being a homemaker and stay at home mother for many years. When her children were young, she was an enthusiastic Cub Scouts leader and supported all their extracurricular activities, carpooling to sports and music lessons, never missing a game or performance. She was a wonderful cook, creating many holiday and special occasion traditions, mastered many Polish dishes and was especially known for her homemade beef and noodles. Jo was a Master Gardener, and her homes always had a beautiful yard that was a sanctuary of flowers, plants and wildlife as this was her passion. She enjoyed music and the arts, participated in choir and was an accomplished accordion player. Some of her happiest days were spent at Simonton Lake in Elkhart, Indiana with family at the Boxwell family cottage for many decades.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W 8th St. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W 7th St. Burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Josephine, you can donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or to Ernestine M. Raclin House.

Remember me

Remember me when flowers bloom

Early in the spring,

Remember me on sunny days

In the fun that summer brings.

Remember me in the fall

As you walk through leaves of gold,

And in the wintertime remember me

In the stories that are told.

But most of all remember me

Each day-right from the start

I will be forever near,

For I live withing your heart.