Josephine (Mosca) Newhard, 95

June 21, 2015

Josephine (Mosca) Newhard, 95, died on June 21, 2015 at Brethren Village, in Lancaster, PA, where she and her late husband, Nelson, resided since 1993. She was born near Dudley, PA, and later moved to Philadelphia where she attended Philadelphia Girls High and graduated from the Mt Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, with an RN degree in 1943. Her work experience included Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, PA, and the Artman Home for Lutherans in Ambler, PA. Her community service included serving on the Board of Senior Adults for Greater Adventure (SAGA) in Ambler, PA.

She was a member of Christ’s Lutheran Church in Oreland, PA, and served on their Altar Guild, Property Committee, Social Ministry, WELCA, Vacation Bible School, and Call Committee. She also served on the S.E. Pennsylvania Synod Council on Aging. In 1972, she organized “The Oreland Quilters” in honor of her mother-in-law, Bertha Newhard, an excellent life-long quilter. The 25 very active members met regularly at the church and held a yearly Quilt Show. Their bi-centennial quilt is part of the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In Lancaster, she was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church since 1993, and a member of the Prayer Chain Ministry.

In early retirement, she and her husband moved to Leisure Village in Lakehurst, NJ, where they were both very active. They helped organize “VISTON” (Volunteers In Service To Our Neighbors) which was a program to assist residents with shopping, doctors appointments, and many other needs.

She was known as ‘Josie’ to her many friends who enjoyed her sharp wit, outgoing spirit, and sense of humor. Her fondness for Italian food and zooming to the BV Thrift Shop on her power chair was well known. Years ago she loved to swim and played excellent tennis. Her many hobbies and interests included sewing, reading, and traveling. American history and politics were special to her, and she was proudly patriotic. Her life-long passion for assisting those in need and serving her community were evident throughout her life. Her family remembers the many get-togethers and reunions she and her husband planned. Above all, she delighted in spoiling her 9 grandchildren whom she dearly loved.

Her husband of 68 years, Nelson J Newhard Jr, passed in 2012. She is predeceased by her sisters Elsie and Irene, and survived by her sister Sarah. Her 4 children and their spouses are: Carol McMaugh of Doylestown, PA; Robert and Cathy Newhard of St Petersburg, FL; Patricia and John Pico of Harleysville, PA; and Daniel and Kathy Newhard of Lititz, PA. Her 9 grandchildren are: Kristina, Daniel, and Robin Pico; Erin McMaugh; David and Sarah Newhard; and Laura, Emily, and Mark Newhard. Her 3 great grandchildren are John Michael Pico, Natalia-Pico Cirafisi, and soon to be Emma Mills.

The funeral will take place 11 AM Friday, June 26, 2015, in the Chapel of Brethren Village, with Rev. Sarah Teichmann presiding and Rev. J. Mark Tedford assisting. Josie’s family will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM at the Chapel. Interment will take place 11 AM Saturday, June 27, 2015, in Altonah Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brethren Village Benevolent Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606.