Josephine "Jo" Semelsberger

Josephine D. Semelsberger

Lorain-Josephine “Jo” D. (nee Boothman) Semelsberger, 87, a loving wife, caring mother, and dedicated nurse passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 after a lengthy fight against cancer.

Josephine was born on November 8, 1938, in Spangler, Pennsylvania to her loving parents, James and Elizabeth (nee Kilmer) Boothman.

She was a remarkable woman whose life was marked not only by an incredible love for her family but a profound commitment to caring for others through her profession and compassion. A graduate of Northern Cambria High School Class of 1956, she furthered her education at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital, graduating from nursing school in 1959. She started her career at Miner’s Hospital from 1959 to 1962. Josephine then served as a clinical nurse supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital from 1962 to 1996. She married the love of her life, Daniel Semelsberger, on August 11, 1962, and together, they built a life filled with love and devotion.

Josephine was known for her love of crossword puzzles and her green thumb. She found joy in the simple things and had an infectious laughter that could brighten the darkest day. She traveled with her husband exploring and collecting trinkets, neither letting age squander their curiosity for life. She was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua, the Marian Guild, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society where she coordinated the food pantry.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel Semelsberger; daughters, Robin Sabbarese, Susan Semelsberger, and Beth (Jason) Taylor; brother, James Boothman Jr., grandchildren, Christine (Derek) Schwartz, Dominic Sabbarese, Joseph Juchem, Christopher Juchem, Daniel Juchem, Amanda Gonzalez, Sarah (Matthew) Clarke, Nathan (Lauren) Semelsberger, Jacob Taylor, Michael Taylor, Anna (Clay) Bolton, and Zachary Taylor; and 6 great grandchildren.

Josephine was preceded in death by her beloved parents, James Sr. and Elizabeth Boothman, 8 siblings; son-in-law, Alfonso “Al” Sabbarese; and grandson, Carl Matthew Juchem.

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain, OH on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 4:00 PM until the time of Closing Prayers at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 1305 East Erie Ave. Lorain, Ohio, 44052 with Rev. Edward J. Smith, Pastor officiating. Christian burial services will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain, OH. Memorial donations may be made in Josephine’s memory to Blessing House, 6115 Olivet Ave. Elyria, OH 44035 or St. Anthony’s St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Pantry, 1305 East Erie Ave. Lorain, OH 44052. Online condolences may be sent to the family by using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.