Hugh Grima writes:

My father’s youngest sister, Josephine, was quite simply a larger-than-life character.

She was a formidable and illuminating individual who embraced life with a zest which was inspiring.

Blessed with an uncannily sharp memory, she would have us all spellbound recounting anecdotes dating back to her years in London in the late 1950s where she pursued her music studies at the Royal College of Music and of her adventures in Germany where she lived for several years.

She adored music but in particular loved to teach it. Friends of mine who were her students would tell me that Jo was also a true teacher of other life skills. With her unfussy, direct approach she made people around her comfortable and true to themselves.

Conjuring up her stock image with her favourite tipple in hand and her mischievous smile, I for one, cannot begin to imagine life without her.

Happily for her family, the inexhaustible store of memories of aunty Jo shall keep her always very much alive and warmly anchored in our minds and hearts.

May the good Lord grant her eternal peace.