Josephine Davitt

JOSEPHINE ELIZABETH DAVITT

Josephine (Jo) Elizabeth Oltman was born at home on July 13, 1929 near Fairmont, Minnesota---the second of four children born to Fritz and Sophie Oltman. She grew up in Amboy and later Vernon Center, in southwestern Minnesota. Jo taught Sunday School and helped out on the farm. She graduated from Garden City High School and became a “big city girl” when she moved to Minneapolis to attend nurses’ training at Northwestern Hospital. She was dedicated to her work and became head nurse in the operating room.

In 1957, she was introduced to John “Ducky” Davitt on a blind date. While it wasn’t love at first sight, their relationship blossomed and they were married on April 12, 1958. Nine months later, they became parents with the birth of Roxanne in January. Number two wasn’t far behind, as Santa brought Greg on Christmas Day that same year. In 1959, they bought their first and only house in Columbia Heights. Mark—the middle child---was born in March 1961. John and Jo took a break for a couple of years, bought a camper and started what would become the family’s favorite weekend past-time for many years---RVing.

Mike arrived in 1964 and Lisa in 1967. The Davitt family then joined the Minnesota Motor Campers Association making many lifelong friends. They had the smallest camper, nicknamed “The Little Red Wagon,” and the biggest family. Many fun memories were made on weekend trips to parks and campgrounds throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

John and Jo loved to travel especially to visit relatives and friends. They had an annual ritual of going to Duluth to watch the cargo and mining ships from Canal Park, then onto Two Harbors to enjoy smoked fish, cheese and crackers on the picnic table outside of Russ Kendall’s Smoke House. No trip was complete without the purchase of Canadian wild rice from Buddy’s Merchantile.

Jo’s nursing training was put to good use during the years the family was growing up. She specialized in removing splinters and taking out stitches not only for her own kids, but the neighbors’, too. She was commonly referred to as “Gramma Jo” by the neighborhood kids.

Jo’s family continued to grow over the years as her children married and made her the proud grandma of 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Grandma Josie was devoted to her family and always available to offer comfort, a listening ear, a helping hand or to share her worldly wisdom. She was a calming force in any ‘storm.’ John and Jo celebrated their 40th anniversary on Easter Sunday 1998 less than two months before John passed of a massive heart attack.

Throughout the years, Jo maintained close friendships with many of her nursing classmates. She belonged to a Whist card club meeting monthly for almost 65 years. These were treasured friends who were always there for one another.

Jo has always been a woman of immense emotional and spiritual strength. She is the “rock” of the family and not too much rattled her. Not one to complain, she exhibited much courage throughout her 20-year battle with breast, lung and bone cancer. Jo’s one necessity on the many hospital visits was her prayer shawl. She said it made her feel like she was wrapped in the arms of Jesus.

When asked how she wanted to be remembered, Jo replied, “I always liked that Allie (granddaughter and former roommate) said I had an ‘in and out’ house---family and friends always welcome, no appointments or reservations necessary.” Guests didn’t ask if they could visit, they just told her when they were coming.

In her last days, Jo shared, “I had it all... faith, family and friends. I am at peace.”

We give thanks to God for this dear woman---loving wife, incredible mother, awesome grandmother, loyal sister and friend. She has made an indelible mark on our hearts, and we will cherish the many great memories we made together.



Visitation 1-4 PM Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley 763-571-1300. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 11 AM with visitation also 1 hour prior to Mass at St. Odilia Church, 3495 Victoria St. N, Shoreview. Private interment. Memorials preferred to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.