Age: 92
Paw Paw
Formerly of St. Joseph
Josephine Misuraca Lytell Howard passed away Friday evening, September 14, 2012 at White Oaks in Lawton. She was born April 6, 1920 on a farm near Lewisport, Hancock County, KY the daughter of the late Antoni and Clara (Schamihorn) Misuraca. In 1936 the Misuraca family moved from Detroit, MI to Paw Paw, MI where Antoni Misuraca started the Paw Paw Wine Company. Josephine attended school and high school in Paw Paw and married Frank "Sammy" Lytell in May of 1939. They resided in Marion, IN where her daughter Dian was born on Christmas 1939 and shortly thereafter they moved to Paw Paw, where they lived and worked at her father's winery. Her son, Michael was born on 31 October 1942. Frank passed away on July 9, 1958. For a short time after he died, Josephine owned and operated the Lakeside Restaurant in Paw Paw. On Sept. 4, 1964, Josephine married Richard M. Howard. They moved to Warren, MI and then to St. Joseph, MI where Richard managed the Benton Harbor Secretary of State office. Richard passed away on Feb. 24, 2003 and Josephine moved back to Paw Paw. She was an active member of St. Mary's Church, Paw Paw and did volunteer work at the hospital in St. Joseph and Paw Paw, and participated in many activities of the Elks Club in St. Joseph. Surviving are a daughter Dian (Kenneth) Lytell Buehler of Rio Rancho, NM; son Michael Lytell of Paw Paw; step-children, Lucille Cooper of Detroit, MI, Douglas Howard of Manton, MI and Linda Howard of Sadieville, KY; brother-in-law, Gene Mitchell of Paw Paw; 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins. She was lovingly known as "Aunt Jo" by relatives and friends and will be missed by all. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Ferrell and Jack Misuraca and a sister, Katie Mitchell. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 29, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Paw Paw. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan.