Josephine (Mikulski) Yanavich

One of God’s brightest lights and servant, Josephine Yanavich, peacefully left this earth to join her loving husband, Joe on August 9, 2020.

        Josephine (“Shuzu” and “Josey” as she was known to many who knew and loved her) was born in Germany, her family having been ousted from their native Poland before her birth, and grew up in the aftermath of World War II. She was the daughter of the late William and Nora (Dylewicz) Mikulski. She was the youngest of 5 siblings. Her difficult upbringing shaped the person she became; strong and resilient with a deep appreciation of God and family. Josephine was deeply devoted to her family. She had an infectious personality and never met a stranger; she was the type of person that would make you feel welcomed and loved each and every time you saw her. Her hugs were legendary. She was a woman of great unwavering faith and her enthusiasm and love of life were genuine and contagious.

        So many great memories were made cruising in their RV to Florida and camping on the beach in Rhode Island with friends and family. She had a special spirit and all those who were blessed enough to know her will miss her immensely. Josephine lived a full and joyous life, and would ask us to remember her with joy and rejoice in her passing, as she has gone Home to rest with Jesus.

        Survivors include a son, Joseph M. Yanavich of Litchfield; a daughter, Michele Cyr of Norfolk; a sister, Stephanie Nitowski of Naugatuck; a brother-in-law, George Boyadjian of Naugatuck; Sisters-in-law Helene Pollard of Alabama and Joann Popikas of Old Saybrook, 11 grandchildren and 11 nieces and nephews. Josephine was predeceased by two brothers, Eugene Mikulski and Chester Mikulski, and a sister, Mary-Ann Boyadjian.

        Friends may call Monday, August 17, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington. Family and friends will assemble on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 11:00a.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home to form a procession to St. James Cemetery, Naugatuck, where committal prayers and burial will follow.

        At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, 35 Park St., New Haven, CT 06511 (givetoynhh.org).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Josephine (Mikulski) Yanavich, please visit our floral store.