Josephine R.
(Richardson) Dryden, 76
OCEAN VIEW, Del. - Josephine R. (Richardson) Dryden passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Beebe Hospital.
Affectionately known as Jo or Josie, she was born in Lewes, also at Beebe Hospital, on February 1, 1945, to the late Ralph I. Richardson, Jr. and Violet (Thompson) Richardson of Georgetown, Del. and South Point, Md. Josephine graduated from Sussex Central High School in 1963 and had previously lived in Georgetown and Newark, Delaware.
Josephine was a devoted home maker while raising three children. She then worked for Olsten Services, and later as a realtor with her husband's realty firm and other firms in New Castle County. She also worked as a church organist at St. Paul's Georgetown and St. James Millcreek Episcopal churches, starting in her teen years. She taught piano lessons for years to numerous children throughout the Newark area. Josephine was a choir director and organist and Director of Lay Ministries at St. James. Upon retirement and relocating back to Georgetown, she again took on the role as church organist at St. Paul's and also supported active adults in the Adult Plus program at Delaware Tech in Georgetown. A lifelong Episcopalian, Josephine served many church leadership roles, including Senior Warden of the Vestry. She was also a member of the Altar Guild and served as Chalist and Eucharistic Minister.
Josephine supported many groups and volunteered in the service of others throughout her life. She was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of Job's Daughters. She was active in her children's education. In the late 70's she helped form and became president of the first PTA at Bancroft Elementary School in Wilmington. Throughout her adult life, she supported Delaware Hospice and Meals on Wheels, helping numerous families during challenging times. As a lifelong Delawarean, Josephine proudly worked the election polls for years, supporting local and state politics.
Josephine loved puzzles and was an excellent bridge player, belonging to many bridge groups throughout her adult life. In addition to her love of music, the piano and the organ, Josephine was a wonderful cook, winning several regional cooking contests and awards. Josephine was passionate about her beloved pets, especially the numerous cats she tended to over her entire life.
Josephine is survived by her sister, Anne (Joe) Forrester of Millsboro, Del.; her brother, Buster (Bev) Richardson of Milton, Del.; her son, Bartley (Dan) of Wilmington, Del.; and daughter, Christine of Ocean View, Del.; and her grandchildren, Karlie and Chase Dryden of Newark, Del. She is also survived by her nieces, Sallie Davis and Molly McLarnon; and nephews, Patrick and Joe Forrester and Bo and John Richardson and their families.
In addition to her parents; she was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Littleton (Lit) Dryden Jr.; her son, Littleton (Lit) Dryden III; and sister-in-law, Gloria Richardson.
Josephine will be remembered as a kind soul who loved her family, believed in helping others and her love of church and music.
A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 10 – 11 a.m. in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, DE 19947. Interment will immediately follow at St. Paul's Episcopal Cemetery. As required by revised mandates during the pandemic, masks will be required for the health and safety of the family and those in attendance.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at: www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com
The Dryden family would like to thank the many wonderful health practitioners at Beebe Healthcare and Harrison House of Georgetown for their faithful service and to the dedicated volunteers from Meals on Wheels.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to one of Josephine's important organizations in her name: Meals on Wheels of Delaware at this link: https://mealsonwheelsde.org/support-us/donate-online/ or mail to 100 W. 10th St. Suite 207, Wilmington, DE 19801 or to Delaware Humane Association at this link: https://delawarehumane.org/donate/gift/ or to mail to 701 A St., Wilmington, DE 19801.