Josephine M. Lepley

Josephine M. Lepley peacefully slipped the bonds of earth at 1:53 a.m. on Friday morning July sixth, 2012; just eighteen days shy of her 91st birthday. She was being tenderly cared for by the kind folks from Hospice of Crawford County and those at Wesburys Grace Health Center in Meadville, where she was surrounded by family and friends during her final days.
Jo was born on July 24th, 1921 in York. the only daughter of Harry and Fannie Hoffheins.
She was forged by the Great Depression and tempered by the Second World War, and her life fits well the profile of those called The Greatest Generation. She was a registered nurse and graduated from the Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing in 1942. The earlier photo shown is her nursing graduation photo. Her meticulous manner and passionate heart were invaluable assets to her as a nurse. Her career in that capacity included service at the former Meadville City Hospital and Wesbury Methodist Home, where she met and worked with her good friend Joyce Mizner. She also spent time as a Visiting Nurse, and in that capacity she touched and enhanced the lives of many Crawford County residents.
Jo became a wartime bride in 1942 in Indianapolis, Indiana when she married Martin Lepley. She was avid about many things. She was an extraordinary cook and baker, and her signature desserts will be sadly missed by those who were eager to cast their diets aside to enjoy her treats. She was zealous about what it meant to be an American and had a deep interest in American history. She loved to travel, enjoyed varied styles of music, and was an avid reader. Most importantly, she passed onto her sons much of her passion for learning, caring for people, and reaching for perfection.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Louis.
She is survived by her husband Martin, her son Don of Susanville, CA and her son Dick and his wife Joanne of Conneaut Lake. She is also survived by her grandsons Bryan and David, and by Davids wife Debbie and their son and daughter Garrett and Ashlyn all of Conneaut Lake, and by her nephew Bob Hoffheins and his wife Sue of York.Jo Lepley touched many lives in a wonderful way, and those who knew her will forever be enriched by her loving ways.
She requested that no viewing or service be held for her, wanting those who knew her to each remember her in their own special way.
The family requests that those who wish to honor Jo may do so by making a contribution in memory of Josephine Lepley to either Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine Street, or Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Avenue, both of Meadville, PA, 16335.
All arrangements are being managed by Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.
Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com