Obituaries

Josephine (Driebe) Michaels, 97, a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away on Oct. 6, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, James “Gabs” Michaels, on Jan. 26, 2011.

Born in Scranton on Aug. 17, 1925, Josephine was the last surviving child to the late Thomas and Nazha (Shaer) Driebe. She was a graduate of the former Scranton Central High School, class of 1943, before attending Marywood College. Before her retirement, she was employed by the Times Radio Station WEJL and as the executive secretary for the Ramada Inn of Scranton for 20 years.

She was a lifelong and devoted member of St. Ann Maronite Church in West Scranton as well as the secretary of the Sacred Heart Cemetery for 20 years.

Surviving are daughters, Marianne Bamford and husband, Richard of Royersford, and Susan Lorenzetti and husband, Kevin of Scott Twp.; two beloved grandchildren, Gabriella and Anthony Bamford, both of Royersford; many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her six brothers, Paul, Dr. William, John, Peter, Philip and infant Joseph Driebe; and four sisters, Alice Ferris, Julia Driebe, Millie Abraham and Amelia Sumilas.

The funeral Mass will be Friday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Ann Maronite Church, 1320 Price St., Scranton, to be celebrated by the Rev. Antoun (Tony) Youssef, pastor. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends may pay their respects at the church Friday from 10:30 a.m. until Mass. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Josephine’s name to St. Ann Maronite Church, 1320 Price St., Scranton, PA 18504, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton.