Obituary of Josephine P. McDermott

Josephine P. Austra McDermott August 21, 2018 Josephine P. Austra McDermott of Luzerne Towers passed away on Tuesday morning in her sleep at her residence in Luzerne. She was born in Wilkes-Barre on March 18, 1931, daughter of Martin and Anna Austra, she was the youngest of ten. Early in her career she was employed by sperling tobacco and Irem Temple County Club. She was employed by Met Life Insurance Co. in Kingston until 1972 Agnew flood when she went to work for Social Security Administration office in Wilkes-Barre. When she retired in the late 1990's her and her son Harold opened the North Street Café where she also waitressed and bartended. Customers enjoyed her conversation, she always had an interesting story to tell. She loved her family, children, dogs and cats. Josephine was a great mother and very giving person. Preceded her in death was her husband Harold, Sr., sisters Theresa Williams, Alice Lewicki, Lillian Austra; brothers Charles Austra, Joseph Austra, Ellick Austra. Surviving are her sons, Harold, Jr. and David both of Luzerne. Granddaughter, Jessica McDermott and grandson, David, Jr. McDermott; sister, Olga Visco, Florida; Ketora Hann, Kingston; Helen Zekas, Wilkes-Barre; also many nieces and nephews. She went to Mass at St. Ann's Church, Luzerne every week until she couldn't' walk. Funeral will be held on Friday at 9:30 am from the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Inc. 568 Bennett St. Luzerne, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Holy Family Parish, Luzerne. Family and Friends may call on Thursday from 5-8 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donation can be made to the charity of choice.