Josephine “Josie” Yolanda McElwain, 76, of Big Run, passed away at home, surrounded by those she adored with all her heart.
She was born in Punxsutawney on August 29, 1949, a daughter of the late Leonard Sciarrini and Yolanda Mary (Roselli) Sciarrini.
Josie was a 1967 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School.
On September 28, 1996, she married the absolute love of her life, Charles “Chuckie” John McElwain. They enjoyed twenty-nine years of marriage rooted in love, laughter and support. Together, they truly completed one another.
Josie had a kind and loving presence about her, she enjoyed cooking, baking, and helping the Big Run Volunteer Fire Company with events. She was a member of the Big Run Beta Sorority, and the VFW Post 9044, of which she was the past President. She served as the judge of elections in Big Run for twenty years. For thirty-one years, she was instrumental in organizing the Big Run Peeper Banquet which was held every March in Big Run to celebrate the Spring Peepers. Josie was incredibly humble and never sought attention for herself, she just enjoyed doing for others and bringing people together.
Above all else, Josie was a loving presence in her niece Rhonda’s life, stepping in with open arms and a generous heart to help her raise her family. She was steadfast and dependable, simply being there through life’s everyday moments, she gave her time and love selflessly. Her love and support helped shape a strong, close-knit family and her influence will be forever felt in the lives she helped nurture. Josie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her husband, Chuckie, she is survived by one brother, Nick Sciarrini of Tyler, Texas and one sister, Rose Hollenbaugh of Punxsutawney; nieces and nephews, Joseph Sciarrini and Johnathan Sciarrini of Tyler, Texas, Rebecca (Eric) Munger of Punxsutawney, Robin (Kirk) Bish of Punxsutawney, Rhonda (Josh) McConnell of Punxsutawney, and Rochelle Hartle of Ohio; great nieces and nephews, Diamond and Conner Sciarrini, Chad (Kayla) Munger, Joshua Schultz, Jason Gulas, Dylan (Haley) Gulas, Emily Pearce, Tiffany (Alex) Hewitt, Logan (Levi) Sikora, Skylar (Jon) Vos, Meghan and Madison Brooks, Leah, Sam, Eli and Ben McConnell, Sophia and Cole Hartle; great-great nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, sister in-law, Margaret Sciarrini, niece, Regina Pearce and brother in-law, Raymond “Gene” Hollenbaugh.
Friends will be received from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Big Run.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Saints Cosmos and Damian Catholic Church, celebrated by Monsignor Joseph Riccardo.
Interment will follow at McClure Cemetery, Big Run.
Memorial donations may be made in Josie’s memory to Big Run Volunteer Fire Company.
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