Josephine Tomaszewski Stecher, who held the distinction of serving as the first lay teacher in All Saints School, Burlington, died May 8 in Samaritan Healthcare Inpatient Unit, Mount Holly. She was 89.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 14 in All Saints Church, which is a worship site of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington. Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan, diocesan vicar general and director of vocations, was principal celebrant of the funeral Mass and homilist. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., presided in the sanctuary.

Born in Philadelphia, Mrs. Stecher was a longtime resident of Burlington. She worked for Rohm & Haas, Bristol, Pa., and then went on to All Saints School where she was a kindergarten, first and third grade teacher. At the time, the school had been staffed by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.

In All Saints Parish where Mrs. Stecher was a longtime member, she was active in the Altar-Rosary Society.

Mrs. Stecher was predeceased by her husband, Hobart F. Stecher, and several siblings. She is survived by her daughter, JoAnn (Charles) Tier, who currently serves as diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools; two sons, Thomas (Sandra) and David (Regina); eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Burial was private.

Memorial donations may be made to The Foundation for Student Achievement, c/o Office of Catholic Schools, 701 Lawrenceville Rd., Trenton, NJ 08648.