Josephine Hirkala, 95, wife of the late Senator Joseph Hirkala, passed away on October 6, 2024. Born in Passaic, she was a lifelong resident. A 1950 graduate of Passaic General Hospital School of Nursing where she received her RN degree, Josephine later received her BSN from Rutgers University. Josephine worked in the dialysis unit for East Orange VA Medical Center for many years before retiring.

Mother of Karen Hirkala and the late Robert Hirkala who passed away in 2020. Sister of Dr. Chester Chorazy and his late wife Dr. Anna Chorazy, and the late Stanley Chorazy and his late wife Rose. Aunt of Frank Chorazy, Diane Chorazy-Flanagan and her husband Michael, John Chorazy and his wife Lorrie, Dr. Paula Chorazy, Dr. Mary Ellen Cuccaro and her husband Edward and Mark Chorazy, Esq. Great-aunt of William Chorazy, Dr. Mia Cuccaro and Evan Cuccaro.

Visiting Friday, October 11, 2024, 4 – 8 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Funeral Saturday, October 12, 2024, 8 AM at the funeral home and 9 AM at St. Joseph's RC Church, Passaic. Interment, St. Michael's Cemetery, South Hackensack.