Josephine Laughlin, 88, known to her friends as simply, Jo, passed away on Thursday evening, June 18, 2020, peacefully at her home on Sheldon Street, Norwich after a long illness.
Josephine was born on April 26, 1932 in Norwich the daughter of Anthony and Frances (Cincotta) Taranto, both who have predeceased her, of East Main Street Norwich. She grew up in Norwich and was a 1950 graduate of the Norwich High School. After graduation she went to work at Grant’s Department Store and eventually joined the typing pool at Norwich Pharmaceuticals. Josephine was also employed as a seamstress at the Carol Ann Shop in Norwich for a time and later returned to Norwich Pharmaceuticals to work in the shipping warehouse at North Norwich from which she retired.
Josephine married Paul Laughlin on May 31, 1954 who survives her. They purchased their home on Sheldon Street, Norwich in 1958 and raised all of their five children in this home. Besides the jobs of wife and mother, Josephine had many interests. She loved gardening and always had a beautiful array of flowers in her front yard. She enjoyed making both live and silk flower arrangements. In her later years she took up painting and produced some very pleasing landscapes. Josephine was also a talented seamstress and ran a small alterations business from her home.
Josephine is survived by her children; Anna Laughlin and spouse Adrian Beard of Lusby, MD, Rose and Anita Laughlin both of Norwich, Erin Laughlin and her partner Michael Grosswald of Coral Springs, FL, and Paul Laughlin Jr. of Greenville, SC. Also surviving are her four grandchildren; Chad Conant and wife Meena Nair Conant of Norwich, Jeremy Conant and wife Nicole Kirsch Conant of Rochester, NY, Justin Boberg and wife Deanna Morgan of Pasadena, MD and Alexandra Beard of Manassas, VA. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren.
Due to the recent events of COVID 19, Josephine’s family has decided to forgo a public service but friends may express their condolences to the family at 55 Sheldon St., Norwich, NY 13815. Interment will be in the Pharsalia Center Cemetery at Deer Pond, Pharsalia. Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Chenango SPCA, 6160, County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.