Andrea Joan Josephs

Andrea Josephs, daughter of Lillian and Martin Josephs and sister to Bob (Mary Ellen) Josephs, died on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006, after a courageous battle with uterine cancer.

A graduate of Penn State and Brandeis Universities.
Ms. Josephs spent two separate shifts in Israel, the first time as a student of archeology and Hebrew studies. After a 3-year program in London, she returned to work in Israel freshly schooled as an occupational therapist. She returned to work in the recovery clinics after the Yom Kippur War.

While working with adults, she was introduced to neuro-development therapy as applied to children, simultaneously co-founding the first occupational therapy school in Israel. "I fell in love with the children, and never looked back."

After her father died, she felt she need to return home, landing in Chicago, to work with birth-challenged children and their families.

Answering the call of the wild in 1983, Ms. Josephs took a sabbatical from clinical practice and volunteered for environmental organizations in various assignments throughout out the Western United States.

That is when Flagstaff came into view while volunteering for IHD. The fall into Flag was a fall into love. After a short return to Chicago, her bags were packed for a permanent return to northern Arizona.

Adventurer, teacher, therapist, patron of the arts and sciences, Ms. Josephs led a full, unimpeded life, even in the challenging times during her illness. "I have no regrets," she said. "My life has been very rich, very blessed."

The families she has healed through service, and all her friends who have played such an enriched part in her life, we wish her a safe journey and their deepest love.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Angel Flight, 3161 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405

At Ms. Josephs' reguest, the interment was private at the Citizens Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Norvel Owens Mortuary.