Josephine Woolman Stifler Bruce, 89, a resident of Hanover, New Hampshire, died Thursday, July 28, 2022. Her daughter Elizabeth was by her side.

Born October 5, 1932, Jo was raised in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA, areas by her parents, Francis McIlhenny Stifler and Elizabeth Henson Stifler. A graduate of The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA, and Oberlin College in Ohio, she studied psychology. She first worked at Drexel University, where she met longtime friend Mary Lou Ilvonen Martin.

In 1957, Jo married Stanley Augustus Bruce of Fort Fairfield, Maine, and they settled in Medway, Massachusetts, to raise their three children, Christopher Justice Stanley, Elizabeth Nelson, and Sarah Margret Bruce. Jo is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Stanley; her sister, Sarah Burnley Stifler Jesup; and her son, Chris.

Jo was an active member of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts; Christ Church in Medway, MA; St. Barnabas Church in Norwich, VT; and the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross. In 1989, she was honored to attend the consecration of Barbara Harris, the first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion. As an active member of Al-Anon, Jo traveled several times to Poland (and also hosted many visitors to the United States from Poland) to promote solutions and solidarity in the struggle against alcoholism and drug abuse.

Jo was endlessly curious, a lifelong advocate for education, a voracious reader, and believed strongly in service to others. She volunteered at the Whittier Memory Care unit in Kendal where she herself would later live, helped care for hospice patients, was a "Kendal driver", and delivered the Eucharist to those who were homebound, among many other charitable efforts. Jo loved to sing, was a prolific knitter, and made a perfect pie crust, much enjoyed by both family and friends.

Jo is survived by her brother, Andrew Thomas Carr Stifler, and his wife, Nicole Perry; her daughters Elizabeth and Sarah; her grandson, Andrew Robert Lee Trexler, and his wife Hannah Elizabeth Graunke; her granddaughter, Olivia Madison Trexler; and her nephews, Randell Edward Jesup and Benjamin Carr Jesup.

Jo entered the Kendal community in 2004. She frequently expressed her gratitude for the staff, her welcoming neighbors, and the lovely view out her window. Her family is especially thankful for the loving care given to her in these last few months by the staff in Whittier.

Donations can be made to:

The Shipley School
Alumni Office
814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
https://shipleyschool.myschoolapp.com/page/support-shipley/give-online