Josie Muhlherr

JOSEPHINE (JOSIE) SERGIO MUHLHERR, of Houston, Texas, entered into her eternal life with the Lord on July 26, 2012, after a courageous 13-year battle with cancer. She was born in South Bend, Indiana, on July 6, 1934 to Paul and Margaret Sergio. Josie had 3 sisters: Anne, Mary and Catherine, and 2 brothers: Anthony and Joseph. Josie was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Margaret Sergio and brothers Anthony and Joseph Sergio. Josie is survived by her husband Gene Sr., son Gene Jr. and wife Marina of Calgary Alberta, Canada; son Michael Muhlherr and wife Camy of Houston, Texas; daughter Patricia Baisa and husband Derick of Lake Stevens, Washington; daughter Margaret Muhlherr of Houston, Texas; and her beloved grandchildren Sophie and Madeline Muhlherr and Garrett and Sydney Baisa. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Josie grew up in South Bend, Indiana. Her father, Paul, had a shoe shop on the campus of Notre Dame University, where she spent many days playing with her siblings. She had many fond memories of growing up in a large Italian family, and each Sunday, the family would gather with cousins, aunts and uncles to enjoy an Italian feast of epic proportions prepared Josie’s family. The following Sunday would be a repeat performance, and Josie developed her love of cooking by helping her mother every day of the week. She also learned the importance of family, service, giving, and caring. Her parents were affectionately known as the neighborhood peacekeepers—anyone who had a problem would come to them to help them work it out. Josie continued this tradition at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, where her office was known affectionately as the “healing room.” More often than not, Josie, and her army of volunteers were praying over someone, sharing a meal, or bolstering a troubled soul, while still managing to get their work done. Over the years, the Church became her second family as her children moved on to begin their own lives. In a story she shared with her children, Josie said she felt something inside her had changed when she had her First Communion. She wanted to devote her life to Christ, but her desire to have children was a major factor in her decision not to take the vows of sisterhood and enter a convent. Instead, she became a mother, a friend, and a role model for many people. She had a special ability to make each person she met feel as if they mattered to her (and they did). She viewed each and every person as a Child of God, and they felt a little more special after meeting her. Her life could be described as joyful, even though she endured and survived breast cancer, cervical cancer, four operations on the same knee as a result of a staph infection, and the seemingly endless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She didn’t let her circumstances dictate how she lived her life. Josie and Gene met for the first time at the 1955 wedding of Mary, Josie’s younger sister to Joseph, Gene’s brother. Josie was her sister’s maid of honor and Gene was his brother’s best man. As in-laws they began to see more or each other and it was on September 14, 1957 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame that they too exchanged their wedding vows. The couple and their growing family moved over 18 times over their 55 year marriage, with Houston as their home base. They lived in West Texas, Louisiana, Tunbridge Wells & Seven Oaks, England, Jakarta, Indonesia and Lodi, California before coming back to settle in Houston where they have lived for the past 34 years. Most of the moves were orchestrated by Josie; while Gene went on to find a place for the family to live. No small feat for a mother of four. Josie was incredibly proud of her four grandchildren. She played a very active role in their lives even though they might not have lived in the same state. She tried to spend as much time as she could with them and was adored by all of them. She has passed on to them her love of cooking and eating Italian food, singing and enjoying time spent together, and cherishing friends and family. Josie and Gene became members of Christ the Good Sheperd Catholic Church soon after moving in to their neighborhood. She took the job of Director of Graphics, and served in that capacity for 19 years. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister, volunteered in many capacities and remained active at the church until her passing. She leaves behind a church family as devoted to her as she was to them. Josie leaves behind a legacy of strong faith in Jesus Christ, a giving spirit, and a belief that relationships are the most important things in life. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A vigil will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 18511 Klein Church Rd, Spring, TX 77379 at 6pm Sunday, 7/29. Funeral mass will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Monday, 7/30 at 2pm with reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Josie’s name at MaryknollSisters.org. Online condolences may be left for the family at addisonfuneralhomes.com. The Addison family and staff extend our heartfelt condolences to the Muhlherr family in their time of loss.