Josephine O. Kozlowski

Josephine Eugenie (O’Dwyer) Kozlowski, 73, passed away on January 3, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 21, 1952, in Dublin, Ireland, she immigrated with her family to Rochester, NY, in 1953.

Josie is survived by her loving husband, Matthew; sons, Aaron and Brian; and grandson, Dustin. She is also survived by her brothers, William (Elsie) and Kieran (Karen) O’Dwyer; sisters, Margaret Finucane, Noeleen (John) Griffin, and Sarah (Frank) Monna; sisters-in-law, Jadwiga Kozlowski, Susan (Jerry) Wells, and Nancy (Michael) Styling; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Eugene O’Dwyer; her in-laws, Arnold and Jean Kozlowski; brother-in-law, Edmund Finucane; sister-in-law, Joyce Kozlowski; brother-in-law, Mark Kozlowski; and niece, Jennifer Wells.

Josie graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School in 1970 and attended Monroe Community College while working as a nurse’s aide. She later continued her education at the Isabella Graham School of Nursing, earning her LPN, and returned to Monroe Community College to complete her Registered Nurse degree with honors in 2003 — a lifelong goal she was proud to achieve.

Josie was the kind of nurse who always put her patients first. If a patient lacked food, she brought it. If they couldn’t afford their medication, she found a way to help. She consistently went above and beyond to ensure those in her care received the compassion, attention, and dignity they deserved. Her patients and colleagues alike often spoke of her thorough care, empathy, professionalism and genuine kindness.

Proud of her Irish heritage, Josie took Irish dance lessons as a child and later helped organize an adult Céilí dance group, encouraging fellow parents to participate while their children took lessons. The group performed at local events and entered many competitions, earning medals. Josie was also a regular participant in the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Josie will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering compassion, and deep Catholic faith. She lived her life guided by kindness, humility, and a commitment to serving others. Her love and devotion touched countless lives, both personally and professionally. Josie’s family and friends will forever cherish her warmth, humor, and compassion. She made the world a kinder place through every life she touched.

A wake will be held at New Comer Funeral Home, 6 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14609 on Saturday January 24th 4-7 PM. A Funeral Mass celebrating Josie’s life will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester, NY 14615 on Monday, January 26th at 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, because of the wonderful care Josie received, the family kindly requests donations be made to Journey Home Hospice 944 Long Pond Rd, Rochester, NY 14626 in her memory.