Josephine Nordell

Josephine was born on May 24, 1923, the daughter of the late Charles and Caroline Stachowicz. She graduated from Niagara High School in 1941, and on June 18, 1949, Jo was married to Albert J. Nordell. They shared nearly 50 years together before Albert preceded her in death on March 9, 1999.

Josephine was the heart of her family. A loving wife and devoted mother of three, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of three, her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was a model homemaker. A remarkably gifted seamstress, she sewed all of her daughter’s clothes, including prom dresses and also junior bridesmaid dresses for her daughter’s wedding. She made many Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.

Josephine was proud of her Polish ancestry, and took classes to learn to read and speak Polish. She loved to share her knowledge of Poland with the children in her daughter’s classroom. Josephine was an avid fan of the Packers, Brewers and Bucks. She enjoyed tending to her flower gardens and loved feeding and watching birds.

Her home was welcoming, emanating warmth, comfort, and the delicious smell of one of her famous desserts, especially pies for her husband, Albert. Josephine’s kitchen was a gathering place for holiday celebrations, and a place for her grandchildren to come to visit and enjoy her famous chocolate chip cookies or disappearing marshmallow brownies. Her pasties and homemade dinner rolls are legendary recipes, which she delighted in teaching to all of her grandchildren.

Josephine was not only devoted to her family, but to her faith as well. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara and a long-time member of the Christian Mothers and Guild. While at Maryhill Manor, Josephine was blessed to see familiar faces attending services in the Chapel.

Josephine was a generous and caring woman, always giving of her time and self; she touched countless lives with her kindness and leaves a legacy of unconditional love. God gave us a little piece of Heaven on Earth, and now her family has a guardian angel shining down on them with guidance, grace and love.

Josephine will be deeply missed by her children, Mary (favorite son-in-law, Paul) Martin and John Nordell; six grandchildren, Tyler Martin, Bob Nordell, Dustin (Valerie) Nordell, Shanna Nordell, Melinda Nordell, and Jason Nordell; three great-grandchildren, Regan Johnson, Logan Johnson, and Jayden Nordell; a sister-in-law, Betty Stachowicz; and many beloved family and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Josephine is preceded in death by her son, Rick Nordell; and four siblings, Roman Stachowicz, Irene (Ron) Helms, Richard Stachowicz, and Mary Stachowicz.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1432 River St. in Niagara, with Father Joseph Dorner officiating the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery.

With heartfelt gratitude, the family would like to thank all of Josephine’s caregivers: family members, friends, Dr. John Groenevelt, Dr. Nicole Linder, Jessica Anderson NP, and the wonderful, caring staff of Maryhill Manor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Josephine’s name to St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Josephine Nordell online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.