Josephine Michel

Josephine Michel, beloved aunt and devoted educator, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the age of 94 in her home in Winter Haven, Florida. Born in the Bronx, New York, to Anthony and Mary Nallan, she was joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents; her sister, Mary; her brothers, Edward, Thomas, and Joseph; her devoted husband, Karl; and her lifelong friend, Joan Matthews.

From childhood, Josephine dreamed of becoming a schoolteacher. She graduated from Potsdam University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and later earned her Master’s Degree from Fordham University. She taught with passion for 23 years in New York before moving to Florida with her husband, Karl. In Florida, she continued her calling at Dundee Elementary School for 20 more years, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year. Even after retiring from the public school system, she taught at St. Joseph Catholic School for another 10 years. Josephine especially cherished teaching second graders, guiding them through Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Her deep devotion to the Eucharist and her profound reverence touched countless young hearts.

When not in the classroom, Josephine traveled eagerly to visit her siblings and their families. The “Kaiser Kids” and the “Nallan flock” were her greatest pride and joy. She leaves behind her cherished sister-in-law, Brigida Nallan, and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Anthony Nallan (Lisa), Edward Nallan (Jamie), Denise Allen (Michael), Kristy Cornella (Dominic), Robert Kaiser (Dianne), Gerard Kaiser (Charlene), Mary Pat Kemler (Rick), Annmarie Robey (Brian), John, Michael, and Brendan, as well as Julie, Michael, and Christine.

Aunt Joanie, as she was affectionately known, was a woman of deep faith who attended daily Mass and spent her mornings and evenings in prayer. In retirement, she traveled extensively across the United States and to Ireland and Italy, often with Karl and their dear friends, Joan and Joseph Matthews. Her extraordinary gift for teaching and lifelong learning blessed so many in Polk County. She never forgot a single child’s name and prayed daily for all her students and their families. Her holy, gentle spirit filled the lives of everyone she encountered with grace, happiness, and positivity.