Josephine E. Janssen, 62

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Josephine Elizabeth Janssen, 62, passed away on September 20, 2017, surrounded by her loving family after a fearless three-year battle with breast cancer. 

She was born in Medan, Indonesia, on April 29, 1955, the daughter of the late Herbert Janssen and Nancy Janssen Currier. Josie was educated in New Hampshire schools and continued her education at Alfred University, where she studied Psychology and Art Therapy. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Simmons College.

Ms. Janssen was a private family therapist at Psychotherapy Associates in Pittsfield for 30 years. She was an accomplished watercolor artist, a dedicated flutist in Pittsfield’s Eagle’s Band, a traveler, dancer, gardener, seamstress. Josie was a political activist and participated in meet-ups and rallies to promote social and environmental justice.

Josie was an active member of the Pittsfield Community and was dedicated to the betterment of the world around her. She gave endless love and support to her family, friends, colleagues and clients. 

Besides her mother and stepfather, Nancy and Philip Currier of Bedford, N.H., Josephine is survived by her son, Tyrone S. Janssen of Pittsfield; her daughter, Molly J. Saldo of Boston, Mass.; her step-children, Jason Saldo, Justin O’Brien, Alicia Bartosik, Seth Bartosik and Ashley Bartosik; her close friend and caregiver Lauren Prezioso; her brothers, Peter W. Janssen of Bangkok, Thailand, and James Currier (and his wife Trina) of Palo Alto, Calif.; her sister, Danielle M. Currier of Lynchburg, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her father, Herbert Janssen; and her two former husbands, Shaun Saldo and Michael Bartosik.

Funeral notice: There will be a Celebration of Josie’s Life on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Church on Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. All are welcome. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Sea Turtle Conservancy or the US National Park Service, in care of the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.