Josephine Steckler

At age 90 years, following a brief illness, Josephine Steckler (nee Wasney) passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2023 with her family at her side.

Josephine was born on March 18, 1933 near Tyndall, Manitoba, the eldest of five children to Celia and Michael Wasney. Josephine grew up on a farm in the depression years. She left home to secure work in Winnipeg at age 16. When she turned 18, she joined the RCAF as a medical care assistant. When 19, she was posted to Saskatoon where she met her future husband, Robert Steckler. They married in June 1953. They went on to have 9 children, the second eldest (Randall) passing away as a toddler. They raised eight children, six boys and two girls. Robert’s work in the Armed Forces had them living in Saskatoon (5 years), Grostenquin France (5 years), Portage la Prairie (5 years), Winnipeg (7 years), Belleville, Ontario (5 years), with Robert retiring to Burnaby, BC in 1979. They moved to Coquitlam and Jo finished her years in Port Coquitlam, BC.

Josephine attended nursing school when the children were young. She was always studying and improving her education, earning multiple degrees and accolades over the years. She enjoyed a varied, extraordinary and rewarding nursing career, all the while raising her large family. She was a tireless advocate for improving seniors care, working until the age of 72. She also volunteered in her community, caring for home bound seniors. Phenomenal.

Josephine was predeceased by her parents Celia and Michael Wasney, her step father Adam Szymul, her four siblings Beatrice, Valerie, Roy and Vicky, her second born child Randall and her husband Robert. Josephine is survived by her eight children Robert (Elaine), Reginald (Nancy), Richard (Nicola), Teresa (Jeff), Michael (Wendy), James (Margaret), Stephen (Marcia) and Mary-Anne (Randy). Josephine is survived also by 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

We wish to express gratitude to Doctor Gooderham of Eagle Ridge Hospital and the caring staff and volunteers at the Crossroads Hospice in Port Moody.

Celebration of Life

Sunday May 12, 2024

Old Orchard Hall,

646 Bentley Road, Port Moody

1:30 ~ 4:30 pm

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crossroads Hospice in Port Moody, BC. Please use the link below for donations.