Josephine A. Obren

Sept. 10, 1936 - Oct. 10, 2010

MISHAWAKA - An unforgettable woman has shed her cocoon on earth and has emerged as a graceful and gorgeous butterfly whose spirit is soaring with the angels. Josephine Ann "Jodie" Obren passed away at home on October 10, 2010, at 5:18 a.m. after an extended illness. On September 10, 1936, in Elwood, Indiana, a precious baby girl named Josephine Ann was born to the late Marion and Margaret Yohe.

She attended Holy Angels Grade School and William Wirt High School in Miller, Indiana, and graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend. On July 5, 1977, Jodie lovingly married Fred Obren, and they shared a memorable, devoted life together living and working in Mishawaka. She was a fun-loving, understanding and dedicated mother to her two children, Toni (Tom) Joyner of Sodus, Michigan, and Victor Riley of South Bend. Jodie is survived by two brothers, Gary (Beverly) Yohe of Danville, Indiana, and James (Judy) Yohe of Nocona, Texas. Jodie was an extraordinary grandmother to six very blessed grandchildren, Sondra (David) Staggs, Evert (Dawn) Riley, Shannon (Eric) Jeffries, Trisha (Keith) Leslein, Rachel Sawyer and Shawn Sawyer; 16 cherished great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

She was a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly adored. Jodie was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by a brother, Donald Yohe; two sisters, Jackie Gundy and Sister Marian Yohe, OSB; and by a great-grandson, Tyler Burns. Jodie was an enthusiastic mushroom hunter and avid gardener with her specialties being roses and gladiolas. She was a strong, generous and compassionate woman who treasured her family and friends and cared deeply for those less fortunate. Her classy, energetic charm and kind, non-judgmental way endeared her to all who knew and loved her.

Friends may spend time with Jodie's family today (Wednesday) from 4 - 7 p.m. in the Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka. Services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home, with Pastor Kevin Parkins officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Contributions in Jodie's memory should be made to the Center for Hospice Care. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. Where I am going don't worry, The comfort is in knowing that I am free. My life was complete, you made it so sweet. Memories are not all you have, you carry me in your heart and soul. I am in the wind that still blows. I am in the trees that still grow. The truth is obviously clear, that I am eternally near.

Published in South Bend Tribune on October 13, 2010

01/18/2021 DEC

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