Josephine Birkett Obituary

I am going to miss my grandmother Josie dearly. She was one of the most positive forces in my life. Josie helped to lift my spirits whenever I thought things were getting me down. My career in music came to an abrupt halt when my equipment was stolen. Suspecting insider foul play, Josie didn't skip a beat... she immediately signed over her social security check to me with directions to "keep my dream alive" and not let those who try and knock me down get in my way. As a result I have an internationally distributed CD which has received rave reviews and critical acclaim as well as being charted on the Blues Radio charts in the top twenty. Without my grandmother's involvement in my struggle I doubt I'd be where I am today. I'm her oldest grandchild. We were very close and spent a lot of time together; both good and bad, both rich and [mostly] poor. From the time I was born Josie taught me to stick up for myself and my beliefs and above all… never give up. A few days before she passed I was going through some notes and found one from her, which simply read … “faith-love-respect-charity-hope”. She told me when she wrote the note, that these were her life’s motto. I will do my best to uphold her moral imprints which she made on me. I love you Josephine.

Dear Birkett cousins,

I wish I could have been with you for Josie's services. Her wit, generosity and keen observations of people and society form some of my most vivid memories. She was fortunate, as well, to be so well cared for by your family in her last years. Love to all- Nancy

To Josie's Family:

Sharing your sorrow and memories of the fine lady Josephine,Who was my friend and like his grandson Danny said, "Family".

Rest in peace.

Love,Rosa Cardona and Family.

Joe and family: Our prayers and sympathies are with you now. You can't replace a mom, but you can hold her in your heart with dear, dear memories.

Wendy and I are deeply saddened by Josie's passing. I have always seen her as a shining example of what a loving and generous mother and grandmother should be like. I am glad to have known this wonderful soul.

My condolences on the loss of "Josie". Once, in a terrible snowstorm 2 friends and managed to find and make it to Josie's house in Stony Lake, MI. She immediately made a big pot of chilli for us, and while we ate it, she fixed up some beds for us! Hey, she was like everyone's Mom/Gramma besides all of her own! I am sorry it has been so long since I last saw her. She will be missed.

Dear cousins,



I am so sorry that I can't be with you today.



"Slogging" through today's news here in Washington, it is easy to remember Josie, and her passion for politics. She followed the players on the national scene every year in the Congressional Handbook, the roadmap of American political power. She knew the pundits, and loved political satire. I will miss her unflinching eye, and keen observations.



In memoriam, when Washington gets you singing the blues, do what Josie might do. Pick up the phone, call someone in Congress, and give him or her a piece of your mind. Josie would love it.

My sincerest condolences on your loss. The kindness and generosity of the Birkett family is a treasured memory, especialy the friendship of Bernadette, Bob, and John when we were all teenagers. May you find comfort in the legacy of a loving mother and family.

Dear Joe, brothers and sisters,

My sincere condolences to you on the death of your beloved Mother, Josephine. I remember your family well since the time I was a young asst. Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas parish, praying & playing my violin,

in old Austin! The great faith of your parents continues in your generation. Joe was a fine altar boy captain in those days, thirty-five years ago! I will remember your good Mother in Mass intentions at St. James Hospital, Chgo Heights,

where I am chaplain. May she rest in peace with your good Father!

Blessings, Father Edward McKenna

Archdiocese of Chicago

My condolences on the passing of Josephine. May she rest in peace.

Josie I miss you already. The world is diminished without you.



Much Love and Sympathy,



Danny Breen

Josie was a very funny woman. She was irascible and always had an opinion on politics,child-rearing,cooking.We had many laughs with her over the years and she will be missed!