Josephine Amy (Ottenbreit) Desorcy
June 30, 1926 - February 22, 2018
Josephine Desorcy passed away in her 91st year, peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family. She will be remembered and sorely missed by her daughter Gloria, brother Edward Ottenbreit, numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Henri, and sister Anne (Smith).
Joey was born in Ladywood, Manitoba, but grew up in Winnipeg’s north end. At an early age, she displayed a passion for music and for her faith, which led her to take on the role of organist at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church for more than 35 years, and become a member of the St. Cecilia Choir. She attended business college, and worked at McKim Advertising for 14 years. After her marriage to the love of her life, Henri, and the birth of their daughter, Joey took a position at Great West Life for several years, and later worked from her kitchen table, transcribing for court reporters. In the 1970’s, she took the position of organist at Cropo Funeral Chapel until her retirement, more than 30 years later, at the age of 79.
Joey was an avid volunteer, devoting many hours to the Catholic Women’s League (St. Anthony of Padua Chapter) and other committees at her church. She was a long-time volunteer for the Manitoba branch of the Consumers’ Association of Canada (CAC Manitoba), and sat on the Board of the Sister Stanislaus Memorial Scholarship Fund. Along with her husband, she was an Oblate of St. Benedict.
A consummate host, she loved to entertain friends and family. She enjoyed many happy hours with her husband, daughter, brother and beloved pets, reveling in their home and garden (especially her rose bushes), and the barbeques and bonfires they held regularly. She pursued her life-long passion for music, enjoying concerts and the opera, and filling their home with music and singing. In later years, Joey faced health challenges that curtailed her abilities and her fierce independence. She faced these new challenges just as she faced all the gifts and challenges in her life, with grace-filled acceptance, optimism, faith in God, and joy.
We would like to thank our family and friends for their support and assistance during this difficult time, and Joey’s caregivers for the excellent, loving care she received.
Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, March 1 at 11:00 am, at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church 250 Burrin Ave., Rev. Father Sam Argenziano presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catholic Women’s League (St. Anthony of Padua Chapter), the St. Benedict’s Foundation, or the Manitoba branch of the Consumers’ Association of Canada.
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