Josephine “Josie” Stern
Josephine (Miriam) Stern, known as “Mom" and "Mommy” by her kids, and as "Josie" to her friends; departed her loving family on July 20, 2026 in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Josephine was born in Vienna, Austria on June 8, 1938; to her parents, Pesach (Paul) Stern and Margarethe (Gitl) Timan Stern. Josephine was a survivor of the Holocaust.
Josephine is preceded in death by her loving parents Pesach (Paul) Stern and Margarethe (Gitl) Timan Stern. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister Dr. Melinda Stern Dubey MD, her grandson Rion Gavette, and great grandson, Christopher Thomas Oakes.
Josephine is survived by five children: Trudy Sheldon, Darlene Benecke, Karl Benecke, Eric Benecke (Carol) and Kurt Benecke.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Rachel Oakes (Christopher) and family: Adriana , Carl James, Isabella, and Cole; her grandsons: Caleb Sheldon, Matthew Benecke (Christina) and family: Michael and Anna, and grandsons: Hunter Benecke and Craig Sisson.
Josephine is also survived by her brother Dr. Harry Stern PhD. (Aviva) and children: Lora Sommer (Jason) and their family: Rachel, Evan, and Jacob. Also, nephew: Ilan Stern (Marsha) and family: Aiden, Zachary, and Benjamin. She is also survived by nephew Ayal Stern.
Also surviving is her brother in law, Dr. Lon Dubey MD (Barbara) and children: Dr. Jared Dubey MD (Katie) and son, Simon. Mara Dubey-Mintz (Jeremy) and family: Mayla and Leo.
Josephine also adored her personal care aide: Samantha Bailey who provided her additional comfort and companionship over the past year.
Josephine was selfless, as exhibited through her many years of dedicated volunteer work for the Margaretville Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop, Margaretville Food Bank, and the Belleayre Mountain Music Festivals. Josephine was also a pillar of the community. Josephine had a variety of occupations, including positions with: Rotron Corporation, Catskill Mountain News, and Delaware Opportunities, Inc. Her hobbies included watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, W-ABC-7 News, and the NY Yankees. She also loved working with her flowers. She will greatly be missed by family, friends and the local community.
A graveside committal service for long time community member Josie Stern will be held on Sunday July 26, 2026 at the Congregation B’Nai Israel Cemetery, Grocholl Road, Clovesville(Fleischmanns) N.Y. at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation www.komen.org
in the memory of Josephine Stern.