Josephine B. Roeber

Josephine B. "Josie" Roeber, 92, of Kingston, passed away Tuesday April 5th at Ten Broeck Commons surrounded by her family. Josie was born in Brooklyn on March 14, 1924, the eldest child of Philip and Helen (Lang) Froelich. Her two sisters, Margaret Fink and Virginia Kelske predeceased her. Josie was born into a musical family. She would reminisce about the times they would gather at the player piano where her mother and father would harmonize together. As a child, Josie was stricken with Scarlett fever, lost her hearing, and almost died. When she recovered, Josie regained her hearing and discovered that she could sing on perfect pitch. She developed a lovely soprano voice and used this talent in many ways to bless others.


Josie grew up in Springfield Gardens and went to work at Dunne and Bradstreet as a typist. She met Herb, the love of her life, on a blind date at age 19. They were married on February 27, 1944 and spent 41 years together until his death in 1985. After WWII ended, Josie and Herb left Brooklyn and moved to the Kingston area where he began a long career with Central Hudson. Josie devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker and became a wonderful cook.


Together, they raised 6 children; Cheryl Alger (deceased) and her husband Sean, Philip and his partner Toni Cristo, Gary and his wife Denise, Paul and his wife Katy, Victoria Gore and her husband Brad, and Michelle, the youngest. Also pre-deceased is her daughter-in-law Caroline. Josie also leaves behind 6 grandchildren; Philip Jr, Michael, Kimberly, Scott, Jessica Liu, and Lindsay Mitchell along with 11 great grandchildren. Josie's family was very important to her and she was very proud of all of them.


Josie had a strong Christian faith and attended the Hurley Reformed Church for many years where she was a devoted member of the choir. Josie also attended Grace Community Church and was active in the Christian Women's Club. Besides singing in the choir, Josie was a member of the Mid-Hudson Women's Chorus and the Sweet Adelines when they won an award for Best Small Chorus. After her husband Herb's death, Josie became an avid traveler, going places like Hawaii, Nova Scotia and Bermuda along with numerous trips to Florida.


Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston. Friends and family may gather to celebrate Josie's life on Friday from 3pm to 7pm. The funeral service will take place on Saturday at 10am at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Wiltwyck Cemetery, Kingston.


The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Ten Broeck Commons Activity Fund, 1 Commons Drive, Lake Katrine, NY, 12449.