Patricia Josephine Loughran, of Victoria, British Columbia, passed away on June 28, 2024, at the Royal Jubilee Hospice following a brief illness.
Born in 1935 to Alice (Gallagher) and Hugh McKeown in Newry, County Down, Ireland, Josephine grew up with her four younger siblings – Mavis, Stella, Ursula, and Hugh – amidst the challenges of the Second World War and a period of transformation in their homeland.
In 1956, Josephine married Hugh Loughran, her beloved husband of 60 years until his passing in 2016. Despite their deep love for Ireland, they embarked on a new journey, immigrating to Canada in 1957. Josephine often recounted their arrival at Idlewild Airport in New York, where an American customs officer suggested that they stay in the U.S., remarking on Canada’s very cold climate. Undeterred, they arrived in Toronto with little money but abundant hope, eventually settling in Vancouver and finally making Victoria their home in 1968.
Throughout their journey, Josephine and Hugh worked tirelessly – Josephine in the school system, Hugh in the forest industry – raising three children and realizing the dreams they had envisioned on leaving Ireland’s shores. In her later years, Josephine remained a devoted member of Holy Cross Parish, offering unwavering support to her children and grandson Benjamin, with whom she shared a very close bond. Her warmth and sociable nature brought a unique spirit to every gathering, making family dinners and picnics unforgettable.
Josephine leaves behind a lasting legacy cherished by her three children, Thurles, Deirdre and her husband Victor, Elizabeth and her husband Jim, her sister Stella and family in Ireland, and a wide circle of friends who were privileged to know her.
A funeral mass will be held at the Holy Cross Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 11:00 am.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Alan Rutkowski
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Marjory Reitsma-Street Marjory Reitsma-Street, with Harry Street
The obituary so aptly captures the elegant presence and generous friendliness of Josephine. We enjoyed visiting with Josephine at the seasonal family gatherings, especially the New Year’s events in the home of Rendene and Alan. It was also a delight to meet Josephine in Oak Bay Village or on the Turkey Head Walkway, where she continued to walk almost to the last months of her long, rich life. My thoughts are with Elizabeth, Ben, Jim, and other family today, as they gather to say goodbye to their beloved mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law.
Marjory
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Gerrry Forbes Dear Thurles, Deirdre, Elizabeth and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your mom. I know how much she loved you and how proud she was of her family.
Josephine was my oldest friend; we could talk about anything and everything. We shared love, loss (and politics!) I will miss our Friday luncheons. She will always be with me in my heart and memories.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Gerry Forbes
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Liz I was so sorry to see of your mum’s death, Elizabeth. I often chatted with her when she came into the library where I work. She had such a wonderful, sparkly presence. I enjoyed our book talks and catching up on how her adored grandson, Ben, is doing.
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Deirdre Corcoran Josephine was a very gracious person. A true lady in every respect of the word. She was good company, an excellent conversationalist as well as an attentive listener. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her and loved her. I extend my deepest sympathy to her family as they mourn her loss.
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Georgia and Peter Ramos We will miss Josephine’s twinkly eyes, her wonderful smile, her welcoming spirit. Peter and I were fortunate enough to spend time with her at a few of the Rutkowski family dinners. What good company she was! She had a merry laugh, listened with interest to what people said, and had something interesting to say in response. We are thinking of her family now, and we send our condolences to those who mourn her loss. What a beautiful soul.
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Lis Brown Always enjoyed my chats with Josephine when I visited Rendene and Alan in Victoria.
My deepest sympathies to you all.Lis from Denver
Our family dinners and picnics will never be the same without Josephine’s wonderful smile and lively conversation. We miss her greatly.