Gisela Josephson's Obituary
I am sad to announce that on August 16, 2020 at the age of 92, Gisela Josephson passed away peacefully, while listening to her favorite piano music. She was born April 6, 1928 in Pfortzheim, Germany. She was fluent in English, French, and German. She also attended the Berlin Conservatory of music where she became a beautiful piano player, violin player and accordion player, music was her passion in life.
Gisela survived the horrors of World War II and the bombing of Berlin. After the war she was hired by OMGUS (Office of Military Government United States) under the direction of General Lucius D. Clay. During her time with OMGUS, she met the love of her life, Corporal James E. Josephson. On August 15, 1949 they were married and eventually settled in Lakeview, WA. then University Place, WA.
Gisela and Jim were blessed with three children, Robert, Bill, and Dinah. Gisela was a people person and worked in the insurance business for over 40 years. During those 40 years she placed hundreds of people in jobs in the insurance business, in and around Tacoma, WA. which was all volunteer work.
Any excuse to play piano gave her such joy, whether it be at home or visiting family and friends. Jim and Gisela enjoyed trips to Hawaii and eventually toured Italy, France, and Germany. She loved the camel rides in Morocco. When the Berlin wall was torn down, they traveled to East Berlin to finally visit her cousin Dieter, who had become a doctor. It had been over 50 years since they had seen each other. He had been the one who walked her to her piano lessons when she was 8 years old.
When Gisela and Jim retired, they snow birded in Sun City Arizona, playing golf, swimming every day, and visiting their favorite casinos. Their time together was precious, looking up at the moon every night was a ritual they kept up until the passing of Jim. They were together nearly 60 years.
Gisela endured numerous health issues in the last few years which included a total knee replacement, hip replacement, broken back, and collar bone. Also 2 falls that broke her nose and caused her face to bruise considerably. Not once did she ever complain about the pain or the therapies that followed. She told her daughter Dinah to hide her face with a paper bag with cutouts so we could go shopping. We laughed about that for months. She always had a positive outlook on life even during her last days on Earth. Her dementia finally took over, but she always had a smile on her face and kind words to everyone around her. Gisela was a beautiful person, wonderful wife, mother, and best friend to her daughter.
She is preceded in death by her parents Eric and Erna Dietrich, sister Ilse, and son Bill Josephson and husband James E Josephson. She is survived by her daughter, Dinah Lynn Moore, her husband Donald E. Moore, son Robert Josephson and his wife LeeAnn, Grandson James H Moore and wife Alnair (Aru) Moore. I wish to thank Judy Olsen, Young at Heart Family AFH 2, for providing her a place of comfort, security, and overwhelming love by her care givers during her last hours.
There will be no public service at this time. Instead of flowers, please donate to Dementia research or plant a tree in Gisela's name. Our world will never be the same without Gisela. She will be in our Hearts Forever. I love you, Dinah
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