Josephine Canaan Steph, 95, a resident of the St. Luke's Home, New Hartford, formerly of Sterling Drive, Schuyler, and of Nielson Street, Utica, passed away Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the home. Josephine was born November 9, 1914, in East Martinsburg, NY, the daughter of Daniel J. and Alice (Bush) Canaan. She was a graduate of Lowville Academy, Class of 1932, and of Memorial Hospital of Nursing in 1936, becoming a registered nurse. On June 20, 1938, Josephine married Charles M. Steph, with whom she spent the next 49 years, until his passing in August of 1987. She was employed at Utica State Hospital for 25 years of service, until her retirement in 1974. Josephine was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church in Utica. She will be remembered as a devoted, loving, and caring mother. Josephine is survived by four daughters and four sons-in-law, Patricia Rich, Sylvan Beach; Carol and Fred Roth, New Port Richey, FL; Nancy and John Gazzal, Utica; Diana and Stephen Goss, Cedar Park, TX; Richard Zawatski, Schuyler. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, including one special nephew, Dennis B. Canaan. She is predeceased by two daughters, Linda Steph Marmelstein and Sharon Zawatski; one son-in-law, Richard Rich; and a brother and sister-in-law, George and Harriett Canaan. Mrs. Steph funeral will be held on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 8:45 am from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and at 10:00 am at Historic Old St. John's Church, Utica where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitestown. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday evening, from 4 - 7 pm. Those wishing may donate to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired or to a charity of your choice in Josephine's memory. Mrs. Steph's family extends their thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of St. Luke's Home Barton North wing for the care and kindness given to Josephine and her family during her stay.