Josephine Kathleen L'Heureux, 81, of Bedford was surrounded by her loving family as she passed peacefully from this world on March 20, 2012.



Josephine was born in Shenendoah, Pennsylvania on November 28, 1930, the thirteenth child of the late William and Margaret (Bretz) Rowley. She was raised in West Reading, PA and graduated from West Reading High School.

Josephine was the wife of the late Lt. Col, Donald H. L'Heureux who died in February 2011 after 53 years of marriage. They met at a picnic while Donald, a career officer in the U.S. Air Force, was on leave.



Josephine was a devoted wife and mother of five children. She lovingly cared for her family and delighted in the birth of her grandchildren. Josephine's home was always the gathering place for family and friends and she was a warm and gracious hostess.



Josephine was an avid Boston Sports fan and enjoyed watching the Celtics in particular. She was expert at solving crossword puzzles and enjoyed reading mystery novels. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed sharing humorous stories with her family. She also had a deep inner strength which helped her through difficult times such as when she had to care for her five small children while her husband was deployed in Vietnam. Her greatest joy by far was spending time with her family.



She is survived by her loving children, Donald of Groton, Michael and Aline of Chelmsford, Larry and AnnMarie of Billerica, Laurie of Bedford and David and Barbara of Burlington; one brother Thomas Rowley of PA; and her cherished grandchildren Dominic, Ryan, Denise and Jenny. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.



Visitation will be held at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 The Great Road, Bedford on Sunday, March 25 from 2:00-5:00 P.M. A funeral mass will be held for Josephine at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Road, Bedford at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, March 26.



In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill Street, Reading, MA 01867.