Josephine S. Howland, 99, a lifelong resident of Walton, passed away Monday evening, January 18, 2010 at Countryside Care Center of Delhi.

Josie was on born December 3, 1910 in Rock Rift, the daughter of the late Daniel and Elsie (Beers) Schlafer. She married Gershom Howland on July 3, 1930. He died on December 26, 1983. Josie was known as a great cook who worked at the Venetian Inn, Rock Rift, the Telestar Lodge and the Club Royale. She also served as a midwife, for many births, throughout the county. It was the practice in those days, after the birth, Josie would stay at the mother's home taking care of the children and doing the chores until the new mother was able. Josie enjoyed bowling until she was 85 years old, belonging to a Knitting Club, the Walton American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 32 and her "Spiritual Home", the Congregational Church..

But to her family, Josie was a woman who experienced everything. She loved playing pinochle, baking cakes, pies and chocolate chip cookies and taking the youngsters under her wing when they needed it. On Sunday's she would make the best chicken and biscuit dinner for all to enjoy and share. She was a warm and loving lady who had a great sense of humor.

She is survived by five grandchildren, Robert (Katherine) Brown, Leslie (Scott) McGraw, Ed Brown, all of Walton; Steve (Paula) Brown of Downsville, Chris (Paula) Breslin of North Carolina; 10 great-grandchildren, Josh, Quintin, Kandra, Amanda, Robert, TJ, Delaney, Steven, Ashley and Morgan; 1 great-greatgrandaughter, Nikaya Gabrielle, special daughter, Irene Newman, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a son, Edward Howland, in 1977 and a daughter, Agnes Brown, in 2008, 1 brother, Frank Schlafer, sister, Dorothy Cook and her twin Agnes Clark. .

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday, January 22, 2010, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning, at 11 AM, at the Congregational Church, Cor of Mead and North Sts., Walton, with the Rev. Lisa Ruth Mays, officiating. Burial will be in Walton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Josie's memory may be made to the Congregational Church or Walton Fire Dept., 61 West St., Walton, NY 13856, or Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

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