Josephine A. Broadwell

Lansing, NY

Josephine Ann Broadwell passed away and into glory on November 5, 2016.  She was 79. JoAnn was born in Troy, Ohio on April 21, 1937, the only child of Frank and Lois Winters. She graduated from Troy High School and in 1959 earned her B.A. from Bowling Green State University.  Married to John Hays for 27 years, she had 3 beloved children, who survive her: Rev. David (Robyn) Hays of Pulaski, Elizabeth Hays of Spencer, and Robert (Amy Grimm) Hays of Laguna Niguel, California; and 4 grandchildren: Adelina Josephine, Jeanetta, Jocelyn, and Zachary Hays.  She enjoyed 29 loving years married to George Broadwell, who survives along with his children Elizabeth (Robert) Morway of Charlestown, New Hampshire, and Kenneth (Jess Seever) Broadwell of Ithaca; and 7 grandchildren.

JoAnn was an elementary school speech therapist in Troy for several years before devoting herself to her family full-time.  She was a really great mom!  After the children had grown, JoAnn served as secretary of Lansing United Methodist Church, ran a local catering business, and in 1987 returned to teaching full-time at Groton Elementary School after earning her M.A. in Speech Pathology—the oldest member of her class.  After retiring in 1997, she and George traveled around the world and to all 50 states.  She was a perpetual volunteer in the community and a Girl Scout troop leader, and served both as the Lay Leader and in a multitude of other roles at both St. Paul’s and Lansing churches. As a certified Stephens Minister, she provided ongoing care to many homebound, lonely, and ailing parishioners.  JoAnn enjoyed her membership with the PEO, which met for fellowship and to further women’s educational endeavors. She sang in the church choir for four decades, and was an active church member throughout her life.  JoAnn was sociable, cheerful, faithful, kind, loving, caring, and fun.  The world is a better place, because of the blessing of her life.

A service celebrating her life will be held at Lansing United Methodist Church on Tuesday, November 22 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of calling hours, a luncheon will be served at the church following the service.  Arrangements are through Lansing Funeral Home.  Donations in JoAnn’s memory may be made to the Lansing UMC Building Fund.