Josephine (Marinovich) Behan, 86, of Hampton, VA, died peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, January 24, 2023 after a brief illness. Raised in Hoboken, NJ, she entered the workforce after graduating as high school valedictorian, married and began raising a family with her husband of 52 years retired USMC Lt. Col C.F. (Neal) Behan, who preceded her in death. She spent 30 years as a devoted officer's wife, loving mother, and community volunteer. Whether as a den chief, room parent, PTA leader, baseball team mom, Navy Relief worker, or Kiwanis bingo volunteer she loved helping others. In 1977, the family moved to Hampton's Willow Oaks Neighborhood where she was an advocate and leader for the community. She was an active member of the Willow Oaks Garden Club, and served in various positions on the board of the Willow Oaks Recreation Association. In her fifties, she began her college education and graduated with honors completing a B.A. in Social Work in June of 1992 from what is now Christopher Newport University. Shortly after graduating, she began working as a Child Protective Services Agent for the City of Newport News. No matter how large a case load she was given, she treated each case as if it was the only and most important case she had saying, "To that child it is."

She was preceded in death by her amazing parents Joseph and Kata Marinovich, as well as her sisters Marie O'Mara and Frances (Franny) Mullaly. She leaves behind her sisters Agnes Otten and Katherine Moebus; her children Neil Behan, Judith Behan Classen and husband Jay, Marykate Behan Doughertry and husband Steve, Joseph Behan and wife Heidi, and Michael Behan and wife Tamara; along with 12 loving grandchildren and two great grandchildren with a lifetime of memories that will be shared with generations to come.

To the end, she was proudly independent and steadfast in her beliefs and principals. She was always willing to share her opinion but, just as important, lend a hand. A proud first generation American, she felt each generation's job was to ensure the next generation would grow in prosperity. She never wanted a fuss or a gift; saying, "I've had a wonderful life and have all I need." Therefore, in lieu of flowers, she would rather you treat yourself; but if you share her spirit of giving, she has been a long-time supporter of the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters.

The family will host a Celebration of Life from 3-5:00 pm, on May 20, 2023 at The Landing Hotel in downtown Hampton; all are welcome.