Our beloved Aunt Josephine Michel passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by love in her home in Winter Haven, Florida.

Born in the Bronx, New York, to Anthony and Mary Nallan, Josephine is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents; her sister, Mary; her brothers, Edward, Thomas, and Joseph; her devoted husband, Karl; and her lifelong friend, Joan Matthews. All now share eternal life with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

From childhood, Josephine dreamed of becoming a schoolteacher. After high school, she graduated from Potsdam University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and later earned her Master’s Degree from Fordham University.

She taught with passion for 23 years in New York before moving to Florida with the love of her life, her husband Karl. In Florida, she continued her calling at Dundee Elementary School for 20 more years, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year. Even after retiring from the public school system, her love for education endured—she taught at St. Joseph Catholic School for another 10 years. Josephine especially cherished teaching second graders, guiding them through Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Her deep devotion to the Eucharist touched countless young hearts; her students witnessed her profound love and reverence each time she received Holy Communion.

When not in the classroom, Josephine traveled eagerly to visit her siblings and their families. The “Kaiser Kids” and the “Nallan flock” were her greatest pride and joy.

She leaves behind her cherished sister-in-law, Brigida Nallan, and many beloved nieces and nephews, including:

•  Anthony Nallan (Lisa)

•  Edward Nallan (Jamie)

•  Denise Allen (Michael)

•  Kristy Cornella (Dominic)

•  Mary’s Children:

•  Robert Kaiser (Diane)

•  Gerald Kaiser (Charlotte)

•  Mary Pat Kemler (Rick)

•  Annmarie Robey (Brian)

•  And her brother Thomas’s sons: John, Michael, and Brendan

•  Joan’s children: Julie, Michael, and Christine

Aunt Joanie (or Aunt Jo, as she was affectionately known) was a woman of deep faith. She attended daily Mass faithfully and spent her mornings and evenings in prayer. In her retirement, she traveled extensively across our glorious country, as well as to Ireland and Italy, often with Karl and their inseparable friends, Joan and Joseph Matthews. The four of them lived life to the fullest, filled with adventure, laughter, and love.

Her extraordinary gift for teaching and lifelong learning blessed so many in Polk County. She never forgot a single child’s name and prayed daily for all her students and their families. Aunt Joanie was a remarkable soul who devoted her life to prayer, teaching, loving, and caring for everyone she encountered—whether students, friends, or family.

Her holy, gentle spirit filled our lives with grace, happiness, and positivity, reminding us that all things are possible through the love of God.

Josephine will be deeply missed by all who knew her, yet she will live on forever in the hearts she touched so profoundly.

 

 

Service: Christian Burial Mass will be at 9 am, 

On March 17,  2026, at St. Matthew Church, 

1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven Florida 33884

 

If you are unable to attend, St. Matthew has a live Mass available on YouTube! 

 

Flowers are allowed in the Narthex of the Church not on the alter due to Lent!

 

In her memory, donations may be made to:

•  Tunnel to Towers Foundation

•  American Cancer Society

•  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital