Josephine (Jo) Caroline (Ropposch) Byrne, 97, passed away on March 4, 2024 just short of her 98th birthday, at her Avenue at Wooster residence, with her family around her. She was born in Port Huron, MI on March 7, 1926, the daughter of Frank and Karolina (Zotter) Ropposch. She attended St. Stephen’s High School in Port Huron, graduating in 1944.
She married Richard Byrne on January 12, 1950. He predeceased her in 1992. They moved to Livonia, MI in 1957, and to Mansfield in 1973. Josephine was an extraordinary, loving and caring woman, staying home and raising her six children. She also worked as a bookkeeper at Read-More Books, Yuncker’s Sporting Goods and Hobart Sales & Service, all in Mansfield.
She is survived by her children, daughter, Suzanne (Sandy) Wasmuth of Northville, MI, son, Mark (Debra) Byrne of Cherry Valley, MA, son, James (Gayle) Byrne of Wooster, John (Jeannine) Byrne of Ontario, grandchildren, Elizabeth (Pete) Smith, Melissa (Rich) Riley, Randy (Sarah) Byrne, Matthew (Nichole) Byrne, Molly Byrne, Nate Byrne, great-grandchildren Elliott, Reid, Genevieve, Lilliana, Fiona, Kiera, and brother, James (Marge) Ropposch of Port Huron, MI.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth (Libby) Seckel, son Patrick Byrne, sister, Marie Fleming, and brothers, Frank Ropposch and Louis Ropposch.
Visitation will be Friday, March 8, 2024 from 9 – 10 AM at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, 104 W. First Street, Mansfield, OH. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following at 10 AM with the Rev. Fr. Ted Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
The family would like to thank Laquinta and the staff of Avenue at Wooster for their loving care of Josephine.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Peter’s Parish (mansfieldstpeters.org/ways-to-give/) or Food for The Poor (foodforthepoor.org).
Herlihy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Funeral Home: Herlihy Funeral Home
Website: www.herlihyfh.com