Josephine Stapleton

Josephine "Jo" Marguerite (Sillars) Stapleton of Carlisle, Pa., and Malmesbury, England, died on Sept. 23, 2011 at her home after a period of declining health.

She is survived by her loving husband George M. Stapleton, her daughter and son, Samantha M. and Nicholas G. Stapleton, and her greatly-loved siblings, brother Mark Sillars and sister Fiona (Sillars) Chantrey. Cherished nephews and nieces include Elinos Walters, Rachel and Naomi Sillars, Max and Alexandria Chantrey and her faithful companion Maggie.

Jo was born July 18, 1954 in Malmesbury, England to Dr. Alexander "Sandy" and Heather Sillars.

She enjoyed growing up in England, and traveled extensively around the world. In 1985, Jo came to the United States after marrying her husband George after they met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 2006, Jo became a United States citizen.

Jo's professional career began in London as a student nurse at the Middlesex Hospital, London and continued as a registered nurse at the Cheltenham Hospital in England. She worked abroad for two years at the King Fisial Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and then found employment in numerous hospitals and long term care facilities in and around south central Pennsylvania.

Jo is fondly remembered by her church, her group of "Twelve," her special friends and members of the community involved in her civic and educational endeavors. Jo enjoyed spiritual retreats, flower shows, animals and most of all, her wonderful kids and family.

With courage, Jo battled her illness to the end and passed away in silent slumber. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and widely remembered for her generosity, kindness, sincerity and compassion. She was a good and faithful servant that made all of our lives better.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at the Otterbein United Methodist Church, 647 Forge Road, Carlisle, where she worshiped. A reception will held immediately following the service.

Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover Street, Carlisle is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Jo's name and memory can be made at any time and sent directly to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA, 17110.