She was a 1953 graduate of Red Lion High School and was a homemaker. Josephine was an avid flower gardener and enjoyed collecting dolls. She was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Shiremanstown.

Josephine is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 59 years, George W. Lay, her son, Darren W. Lay of Mechanicsburg, two daughters; Sabrina J. Lay (and her partner, Marcia Greise) of Harrisburg and Gloria J. Shindel (and her husband, David) of Harrisburg, a sister, E. Evangeline Dacheux of Spring Grove, three grandchildren; Ashley Clugston, Adam Shindel and Chelsea Foultz, one great-granddaughter, Natalie Clugston and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers; Martin and Elwood Alleman and one sister, Geraldine Ruth.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle. Rev. Michael Seifried will officiate. Burial will be in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. Viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 44 W. Main St., Shiremanstown, PA 17011.