1927 – 2024
Mrs. Josephine (Josie) was born on September 16, 1927 in Valaska Bela, Czechoslovakia to Alex and Marie Chrumka who had a son Stephen born two years earlier. Josie’s father was a farmer and in 1927 along with his brother and a group of men from the area he came to Canada to raise money to buy more land in Czechoslovakia. Plans changed and the men chose to buy land in Tilley Alberta in 1929. One year later Josie came to Canada with her mother and older brother.
Josie grew up in Tilley with her family that grew with the birth of her sister Mary, brother Alex Jr. and John. After graduation from high school in Medicine Hat she went on to train as a registered nurse in Calgary and eventually returned to work in the Brooks Hospital.
While at a dance with her sister, she met Joseph (Joe) Urban, they dated, fell in love and got married on February 9, 1953. Joe had a farm near Brooks where they began their family with the birth of their sons, Dan and Jim. They moved to a farm near Tilley and had their third son Joseph. The family relocated to Calgary in 1963 then Crossfield in 1975 and eventually Innisfail in 1980. Josie returned to nursing in Calgary during the 1970’s then in Innisfail until she retired in the late 1990’s. Besides being a dedicated nurse, Josie was an great host, anyone planning a visit would do so around meal time. Knowing Josie was an amazing cook and an even better baker, something her grandchildren learned quickly. She loved to garden and crochet and have a good cup of coffee with friends.
Josie went home to be with her family and received her eternal reward on February 2, 2024 at the age of 96. She was survived by her sons, Dan, Jim (Karen) and Joseph ( Lori), as well as her grandson Jared (Megan) and son Maverick Urban, granddaughter Joni (Jonathan) and children Madelyn and Axel Nash and granddaughter Jenna Urban. Josie was also survived by her brother Alex (Shirley) Chrumka of Brooks, and her brother, John (Carmen) Chrumka of Calgary. Josie was predeceased by her husband, Joe Urban, her brother, Stephen Chrumka, and sister, Mary Telfer.
Josie will be cherished for her love and kindness by family and friends. A Private Family Service will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
