Josephine (Josie) Mikitin 

Josephine (Josie) Mikitin 

Note to Alexa in Heaven: Please play, The Waltz of the Angels, as Josie just stepped onto Heaven’s dance floor with her Georgie who she has been missing for 3 long years since he passed away. With great sadness, we report that Josie passed away at home peacefully in her sleep on September 29th, 2022. She was surrounded by the love and care of her daughters, Patricia and Barbara. Josie was a kind and sweet soul who was dedicated to the care of her family. To her last days she was a memorable and beloved companion to her daughters. Josie was also a hairdresser who operated her own licensed beauty shop for 47 years. Her long time clients became her dear friends. We teased that you could wake Josie up in the middle of the night and ask for a haircut and she would say, “let me get my scissors.” She loved to give a haircut. 

Josie is survived by her beloved daughters, Patricia and Barbara, and by two sisters, Mary Jane Prost and Agnes Engel and many nieces and nephews.

Josie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Mikitin and by her brothers George, William, and Edward Klobucher, and her sister, Dorothy Gorup.

For many years, Josie was a Pittsburgh Penguin season’s ticket holder with a seat on the glass in both arenas. One of her favorite memories was going with her daughters to the former Pittsburgh International Airport in 1991 to celebrate the Penguin’s arrival after they won their 1st Stanley Cup. Running through the back hallways of the airport and opening one of the service doors, we walked into the area where all the Penguins were gathered. We can close our eyes and still see Josie patting the players on the back as she entered the room. The room was pure joy.

Josie and George enjoyed traveling many times to Canada, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, and Pirate Spring Training in the 1970’s.  They also enjoyed touring  the West Coast and Washington DC. Throughout her life, Josie also enjoyed  Broadway shows, the Pittsburgh Symphony and Ballet, and musical performances from Josh Grobin to Elton John.

Throughout her life and into her 90’s, Josie enjoyed regular exercise. When she couldn’t take an aqua-fit class, or walk a mile at LA Fitness, she did Yoga stretches with her daughter, rode her stationary bike, and walked with her Nordic walking sticks.

Her daughters are grateful for the exceptional in-home support Josie received through Amedisys. At Josie’s request all funeral arrangements were private.