Josephine Jaffray Henke

Josephine Jaffray “JJ” Henke, 54, of St. Joseph, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA, 3665 Hollywood Rd., St. Joseph or Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, 5400 S Niles Rd, St Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. JJ was born on November 12, 1966, in Seattle, WA, to Joseph & Lydia (Bayne) Henke. In 1984, she graduated from the Urban School of San Francisco and continued her education by earning her Bachelor’s degree from Smith College in 1989 and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Indiana University. On August 21, 1993, JJ married the love of her life, Stephen Allen, in Essex, NY. For nearly 15 years, JJ worked as a librarian at Lincoln Township Library. After leaving the library, she began doing free-lance editing while also taking computer and business classes at Lake Michigan College. JJ loved reading, knitting and spending time tending to her garden. JJ is survived by her father, Joseph Henke; step-mother, Julie Speidel; step-father, Roger Simon; loving husband of 27 years, Stephen; sister, Susanna Henke; niece, Lucie Grout; nephew, Silas Grout; several step-siblings; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lydia.