Josephine Louise Gaessler, 93, of Dayton, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2014 in Springmeade Nursing Center. Josephine was born in St. Mary’s Ohio on June 23, 1921 to Maurice and Sophia Ellenbogen. She retired from the North Dayton Post Office. She was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church in Dayton for 62 years where she was a deaconess, volunteered and found her mission to be sending cards. Throughout the years she sent over 5000 cards and letters, including a letter to her son just last week. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she helped so many people and causes in so many ways in her lifetime. She was a collector, and what she collected were people, collecting friends and families wherever she went. She cherished every one of them.

She is survived by her children, John Rowland (Connie) Gaessler, Jo Ellen Layne, and Judith Ann Berger; grandchildren Kristi (Jerry) Meyer-Gillott, Gregory (Heather) Gillott, Jennifer (Brian) Prevatte, John (Annette) Gaessler, Ronald (Jody) Berger, William (Kit) Berger, Megan Gaessler, Rheanna Gaessler, William Gaessler, Sara (James) Elliott, Melanie Brown, Angel Turner; 17 great-grandchildren; and many new and lifelong friends.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents; sons, William and David Gaessler; daughter, Janet Brown; sister, Adele Fitzpatrick; and brother, Isaac.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Springmeade for their care, compassion and friendship over this past year.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, September 5, 2014 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Blessing Funeral Home, 11900 N. Dixie Dr., Tipp City. A celebration of Josephine’s life will take place at 1:00pm at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Mary H. Reaman of the Tree of Life Community officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. Contributions may be made in Josephine’s memory to Tenth Life, P.O. Box 178, Alpha, OH 45301. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blessingfh.com.