Josephine A. Spencer

Josephine A. Spencer, 81, of Newton, died Thursday evening at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton.

Born in Clarks Summit, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Irene Colprice Spencer. She was a 1952 graduate of Newton Ransom High School, received her teaching degree at East Stroudsburg University and went on to complete a master's degree at New York University. She was employed as a school teacher in Florida and Goshen, N.Y., and before her retirement, was a substitute teacher for the Abington Heights School District.She was a member of Our Lady of the Snows Church and the Church of St. Benedict.

Surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, among them George Houck IV, Havertown; Hallie Houck Cook, Los Angeles, Calif.; Louis S. Houck, Waverly; and Lillian Houck McDermott, Castaic, Calif.

Josephine was a very close and dear friend to Gloria Vasky and her husband, Jim. She was also a loving and caring adopted grandmother to their children, Michael, Amy, James, Sarah and Matthew.Jo loved spending time with friends and family.

She enjoyed playing poker and bridge and was known as a good card player. She spent time golfing and savored being outside. Her favorite place in the world was the family farm in Newton, where she grew up and lived for much of her life. She spent many years enjoying its quiet beauty. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Spencer, Ann Marie Ande and Mary Houck; and two brothers, William and Leo Spencer.

A memorial Mass will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. from Our Lady of the Snows Church, 310 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment will follow in Abington Hills Cemetery, South Abington Twp.

The family will receive friends at the church from 9 a.m. until time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.