Josephine Trewartha

The youngest of 12, Jo was born July 1, 1937, to Lebanese immigrant parents, the late Bryan and Mamie (Seeb) Albert, who homesteaded and farmed near Williston, North Dakota. She moved away to Catholic Nursing School where she trained as a nurse.

Following a six-week courtship, Jo married Donald Trewartha on Christmas Eve 1959. They were happily married for 57 years, until Don’s death at the end of 2016.

She was perhaps best known for her decade’s long dedication to nursing, the bulk of those years spent at Medical Arts Clinic in Alpena, Michigan. After retirement, Jo stayed active. When not at the beach, Jo was out walking and could be seen out in the community well into her 80s. She volunteered for years with various organizations, including Trinity Episcopal Church, the hospital auxiliary, and Turning Brook.

Jo was devoted to her family, cherished her friends, and cared for whoever needed her.

She is survived by her children, Mark Trewartha, Terri (Walter) Kinney, Lesslee (Bryan) Dort, grandchildren Gavin Kinney, Jessica Dort, Amanda (Andrew) Sumerix, Jared Kinney, and her two great-grandchildren, Alaina and August Sumerix.

Memorial visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon with Rev. Bruce Michaud officiating, followed by the Nightingale Tribute Ceremony by Northern Michigan Nurses Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church’s Sunday Super.