Obituary of Josephine V. Price

Josephine V. "Jo" Price, 75, of Coralville, IA formerly of DeWitt, died February 25, 2017 due to complications of diabetes at Windmill Manor in Coralville. A private service was held March 6, 2017 in her honor. Jo was born October 8, 1941, in Chicago, IL, to Samuel and Rose Taschetta. At age 12, the family moved to Fort Madison, IA, where she graduated from high school at the tender age of 16. She entered Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, IA and received her Bachelor's degree just three short years later, in 1961. While there she was very involved with her sorority, Pi Beta Phi and many other clubs and organizations. While there, she met and married Donald D. Price in 1960. In 1961, she began her teaching career which lasted for 39 years. She taught at Mt. Pleasant High, Adair-Casey High, DeWitt Central, Calamus-Wheatland High, Mater Dei Catholic High in Clinton, IA, American Institute of Commerce and Assumption High School both in Davenport, IA. During the early years of teaching she took graduate classes at Drake University and received a Master's in guidance and counseling from Western Illinois University. In 1980, in addition to teaching, Jo began a second successful career in real estate. She was a broker for 22 years, co-owner of The Housing Consultants, and worked for many other companies throughout Clinton and Scott County. Jo was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in DeWitt. She was also involved in her community politically and socially, leading in many groups such as Young Republicans, NEA, DeWitt Junior Women's Club, Women's Rights Groups, county and state politics for the Republican Party, Bridge Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and numerous school and real estate committees. She obtained many awards and honors for the work she did. Jo had a special love for the theatre. She produced and directed 19 plays and musicals; accompanied many students to the Shakespeare Festival at the University of Iowa; supported and encouraged her children and grandchildren to play, write and sing; and especially enjoyed helping restore the DeWitt Opera House. She enjoyed working with and helping people but above all, loved her students throughout the many years of teaching. Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren: son Jonathan Price and his wife Jackie of LaCrescenta, CA; daughter Dina Carden and her husband Michael of Asheville, NC; 6 grandchildren Jonna and Jensen Price of LaCrescenta; Jonas, Michaela, Anders and Aniah Carden of Asheville, NC. She is also survived by her brother James Taschetta and his wife Pam of Wichita, KS. Jo was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Sam Taschetta. We wish to thank Windmill Manor of Coralville, IA for all the years of outstanding care and love they provided for Josephine. Condolences may be sent to The Carden Family, PO Box 1669, Weaverville, NC 28787