Josephine A. Safian

Josephine A. Safian Josephine A. Safian (Jo), peacefully went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 3rd, 2019 at the Lakes of Sylvania. She had just celebrated her 91st birthday with her family the Tuesday prior. Jo was born to her loving parents Joseph and Anna (Budney) Gnyszek on January 29, 1928. On April 17, 1948, Josephine married the love of her life, Walter A. Safian. The Lord blessed their thirty years together with 3 loving children, 3 beautiful grandchildren and 7 precious great grandchildren. Jo was preceded in death by her husband and her son, James Safian. Josephine was a graduate of Woodward High School and attended Toledo University for Journalism. While her work history was abundant, her most memorable position was at Haughton Elevator (Schindler) in Human Resources as their Benefits Manager. She retired after 23 successful and rewarding years. Jo’s retirement years were blessed, making many beautiful memories with her 3 grandchildren, whom she considered the lights of her life. Many trips to the Toledo Zoo, baseball games, fishing, feeding the ducks, family vacations and chasing the birds were just a few of the many incredible activities she introduced to her grandchildren. Later she was rewarded with 7 great grandchildren whom she equally doted on and enjoyed. All of the kids are so blessed to have memories of their very involved and hands-on “Busia”. Jo’s passions included raising her family, bowling with an opportunity to join the Queens and Lake Erie boating and fishing on the “Jo Jo”. She had an acute knowledge and enjoyment of basketball and would always root for her Pistons. Knitting projects (hats for newborns and premies), working outside, playing cards, cooking up a storm, bird/animal watching and chatting with family and friends were also some of her pleasures. Her unshakable faith in Christ and devotion to her church were quite remarkable. It is because of that shared faith that we know we will see her again one day. Jo is survived by her loving daughters Joyce (Mark) Robinson and Constance (Richard) Ostrosky Jr.; 3 grandchildren Richard (Kelli) Ostrosky III, Stephanie (Philip) Kohler, Sarah (Christopher) Alexander; and 7 great grandchildren Jayden, Nathan, Conner, Madison, Alexander, Ella and Christian. Our Mother and Busia was kind and genuine to everyone she ever met and had a big, beautiful smile for all. She loved her family fiercely and taught us to do the same. We will survive life’s challenges because of her loving guidance. She was the heart of her family, had faith in Jesus that could never be shaken, and we know she is smiling down on us from Heaven. We will try to make you proud. Now go and sing and dance with the angels. Sending you all of our love, forever! Sto Lat!...and so many more. Visitation will be held at the Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Ave., Toledo, OH on Thursday, February 7th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Vigil service to begin at 7:30 p.m. Funeral prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian burial at St. Patrick’s of Heatherdowns Parish at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 8th. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Toledo, OH. Condolences for the family can be left at walterfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to The Cherry Street Mission.