Ella M. Joseph, of Cassidy Road, Hermitage, passed away at 2:55 p.m. Monday (8-30-10) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. She was 85.

Mrs. Joseph was born April 23, 1925, in Sharon, a daughter of Ronald and Mable Mitchell Rearick.

A lifelong area resident, she was an alumna of Sharon High School, class of 1943.

Mrs. Joseph was a licensed practical nurse and worked for several health care facilities throughout the Shenango Valley, including what is now Sharon Regional Health System; Shenango Valley Osteopathic Hospital, now UPMC Horizon, Farrell; and Nugent Convalescent Home and John XXII Home for senior citizens, both Hermitage. She also worked as a private duty nurse and enjoyed assisting and transporting her patients to their local appointments.

She was a homemaker and belonged to Church of the Notre Dame, Hermitage. Her husband, Alfred J. Joseph Sr., whom she married Sept. 5, 1948, survives at the residence.

She also leaves her five sons, Dr. Alfred J. Joseph Jr. and his wife Judy, Hermitage; Ronald J. Joseph and his wife Carol, South Pymatuning; David L. Joseph and his wife Colleen, Hermitage; Dr. Joseph T. Joseph and his wife Lori, Clark; and Bryan M. Joseph, Hermitage. She will be sadly missed by her 13 grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren, who were the joy of her life, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Joseph was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Maye Pollack and Beryl Redfoot; two brothers, Harry and George Rearick, and a daughter-in-law, Jamie A. Joseph, on March 19, 2003.

Calling hours: At Mrs. Joseph's request, there will be no visitation. Condolences may be sent by visiting the website www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Service: Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Friday (9-3-10) in Church of the Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, with the Rev. Jeffery J. Noble, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: Private.

Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St.,Sharon.