Josephine M (Matthews) Baum

Josephine M. Baum

Josephine M. Baum of Hershey passed away Saturday, July 14, 2012 after a courageous battle with ALS.

Born in Middletown, PA to Robert and Elizabeth (Reese) Matthews on September 12, 1921, Jo was a graduate of John Harris High School, Harrisburg, and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Dickinson College, Carlisle.

She taught English for more than 30 years and retired from Catherine Hall, Milton Hershey School, as head of the English Department.  She was active in AARP, AAUW, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, CLEOs, several book clubs, and volunteered at the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society and the Hershey Library.

Jo was a member of Derry Presbyterian Church for 57 years.  She taught in the Primary Department, served as a Deacon and was the first elected female Elder.  She was active in Circle and Presbyterian Women, as well as Meals on Wheels.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Howard, whom she married in 1946; brother, Robert R. Matthews; and sister, Doris E. Cooper.

Jo is survived by 3 daughters; Cheryl Dronsfield (Tim) of Springfield, VA, Cynthia Pearl (Ken) of Hummelstown, and Judith Bowman (Steven) of Camp Hill; a son, Michael Baum (Linda) of Houston, TX; seven grandchildren, Trisha Dronsfield, Steven Dronsfield (Jennifer), Meghann Haven, Andrew and Adam Bowman, Catherine and Matthew Baum; 2 great grandchildren, Rachael and Walter Dronsfield; and a sister, Jane Matthews.

Family and friends are invited for viewing on Wednesday, July 18th from 6-8 PM at Rothermel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078.  Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 19 ^th at 11 AM at Derry Presbyterian Church, 248 East Derry Rd., Hershey, PA 17033 with Rev. Dr. Richard L. Houtz officiating, with viewing from 10 AM until time of the service.  Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in her honor to Bethesda Mission, PO Box 3041, Harrisburg, PA 17105; Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110; or to Derry Presbyterian Church.