Josephine M. Maccari

Josephine M. (Wallish) Maccari, 96, of Philadelphia and formerly of Levittown, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at LifeQuest Nursing Home in Quakertown.

A strong, independent, and fierce lady, she grew up in Shamokin, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Frederick and Dorothy (Schuller) Wallish.

After graduating, St. Edward’s Catholic School Class of 1946, she moved to Philadelphia to attend nursing school at St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing. She always had so many delightful stories to tell about her days of training as a nurse. For over 40 years, she was a wonderful and caring nurse. During that time, she worked for various hospitals, including John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital where she served as Head Nurse, and later Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, PA from which she retired.

While working, Josephine became a single mom, raising four kids on her own. Her life was not always easy, but she had a lust for life and knew how to have a good time. She loved to dance and party—one of her favorite songs was "Man! I Feel Like a Women" by Shania Twain. She also loved the big band’s sound, especially the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Her hobbies included travel, ceramics, gardening, and more.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband: Ricardo “Mickey” Maccari, and her sisters: Lorrine Dougherty, Anna Bradley, and Patricia Yoncoskie; a daughter: Doreen Edelman (Steve), a grandson: James Erdman, sons-in-law: Jim Erdman and John Heck.

Among those who will miss her laughter and her funny sayings like "I ain't dead yet, honey! I'm still looking for a man." include her son: David Ireland (Denise); daughters: Rosie Erdman (Jim) and Cheryl Ann Heck (John); grandchildren: Dawn Gradel (Andy), Jeffrey Erdman, Denise Snape (Alex), Dan Ireland, Melissa Mains (Tony), Jill Guy (Shannon), Kristilee Scheffler (Dustin), and Stephen Edelman (Robert Beard). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Hannah, Norah, Alex, Kailynn, Julian, Ollie, Zoe, Charlotte, Vivian, Jacob, Lilli, and Arora; and a devoted family friend: Bruce Squares.

Private interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, PA.

Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.