Josephine Tanner

Josephine Tanner (Nicholson), of Weymouth, passed away suddenly from  complications after surgery on May 5, 2026. Josephine was raised and educated in Weymouth and graduated from Weymouth High School with the Class of 1956. Following graduation, she worked briefly at Baker’s Chocolate before beginning her career with the Telephone Company, where she met the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Tanner. They were married in 1962 and settled in Weymouth, where together they raised a family that would grow into four generations — easily Josephine and Tom’s greatest achievements.

So many days were spent at the home Tom built for her, with generations of family constantly coming and going, whether for a sandwich, a hug, or simply to share family news. The open family room the center of Josephine’s universe, and she would have had it no other way. Josephine was remarkably gifted at staying busy while always giving back to the community she loved. Among her many interests and charitable endeavors, she was a proud member of the Mothers of Twins Club, loved being a Girl Scout leader , taught CCD, and later worked for the Weymouth School Department, where she was able to connect even more deeply with the people and town she cherished.

Josephine was passionate about hometown politics and always hoped her efforts would help make Weymouth stronger and closer for future generations. She proudly served as campaign manager for the Honorable Sue Kay, former Mayor of Weymouth, and also served as treasurer for Bob Ambler’s campaign as well as her daughter Tracey’s Weymouth School Committee campaign. A talented seamstress, Josephine lovingly crocheted afghans for friends and family and was blessed to help create countless wedding dresses, costumes, and special garments for those she loved. She was also very active with both the Weymouth Historical Society and the Whipple Senior Center later in life which she truly enjoyed.

Regardless of all she gave to those around her, Josephine never felt short of blessings herself because she always had what she loved most — sleepovers with her grandchildren and “Grammy Days,” ....whether their parents knew she was taking them for the day or not!

Josephine was truly a mother to all and the glue that held so many groups together. She will be remembered for adopting even more stray people than stray cats and never regretting a single one. The echoes of her generosity and caring spirit will continue through the generations of her family, who will proudly carry that same message forward in her honor to make certain that this community never forgets.

Josephine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas E. Tanner, and by her parents, John and Catherine (Gurney) Nicholson.

She is survived by her loving children, Thomas and Joanne Tanner of Weymouth,  Teresa and Christopher Roth of Pembroke, Tracey and Joseph Nardone III of Weymouth, Tricia and Leo Boivin of Maine, and Tasha Haskell of Wareham . She was the cherished grandmother of Sarah, Thomas, Jacob Tanner, Christopher, Mauretta, Conor Roth, Joseph IV , Brendan, Joshua Nardone, Corey, Casey, Conrad Halliday, Paul Boivin, Sydney and Robert Haskell. She was also the devoted great-grandmother of Sage, Joseph V and Isla Josephine.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the C. C. Shepherd Funeral Home, located at 134 Pleasant St. (Columbia Square) Weymouth, MA. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend the Funeral Mass honoring Josephine’s life and legacy on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in South Weymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whipple Senior Center General Fund at 182 Green St. Weymouth, MA 02191.