Josephine P. Boxler

Josephine Puma Boxler, affectionately known as Pippi, 95, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025. She was a woman full of love, laughter, stories and sunshine.

Pippi was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to the late John A, and Anna C. Puma, She was the proud sister of Anna Marie Burtness of Boulder, CO, and the late Leonard J. Puma and a loving aunt to several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John A., son, Paul J., and grandson, Joseph D. She is survived by her children, Margaret Smith (Marlay) of Stillwater, MN, Dan Boxler (Dorothy) of Kennett Square, John Boxler (Deborah) of Landenberg, Angela Tilton (Don) of Wilmington, DE, and her daughter in law, Robin Boxler of Landenberg. She also leaves behind her 13 adoring grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who lovingly called her Mom Mom.

Pippi is best remembered as a kind and generous mother and friend. You never left her house hungry. Guided by her deep Italian heritage she shared her love of good food and the importance of family. She was happiest when her house was full of people that she loved, and that extended beyond her family.

She was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning her degree from Marywood College in Scranton, PA. She married John, settling in Wilmington, DE and later Landenberg, PA, where they raised their 5 children.

She became an elementary school teacher in Wilmington, DE, and then went on to teach in the Unionville Chadds Ford school district for over 30 years. Though teaching was never a job to her. She loved helping children learn and she made sure they laughed along the way. She didn’t stop teaching, owning a classroom supply store and tutoring service, “A Step Ahead”, in Kennett Square. After retirement she was a substitute in the Avon Grove School District for many years.

Pippi was a long time member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in West Grove, PA

If there was one place that rivaled her love of the classroom it was the ocean. She spent nearly every summer from 1954 until she could no longer walk on the sand, in Fenwick Island, DE, where she and John built a home full of sandy feet and happy memories, still in the family today. Winters were spent in Bradenton, FL, where she cherished her cousins and a close-knit group of friends.

She travelled widely, laughed often, prayed deeply, and gave generously. She volunteered for nearly everything and never met a stranger she didn’t want to help. She had the unmatched ability to make everyone feel at home even when they weren’t. She had great friends, because she was a great friend. Everyone she made contact with is a better person for having known her.

She will be dearly missed, but her spirit lives on in every family dinner, beach trip and story passed down the table.

You are invited to visit with Pippi’s family and friends from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Her funeral mass will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Unionville Cemetery, West Doe Run Road (Route 82) and Cemetery Lane, Unionville, PA 19375. 

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in her honor to:

St Patrick’s Church of Kennett Square, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Auburn Heights Education Fund in memory of Joseph Boxler in Yorklyn, DE. auburnheights.org/boxler-education-fund/BoxlerDonation

Holisticare Hospice www.holisticarehospice.org or the organization of your choice.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square, PA (484-734-8100) To view Pippi's online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.