Josephine Beynon, 1924-2011

“Jo” Beynon was Allegany County’s first Tourism Director and served in this capacity from 1973 to 1988. She later became President of the Allegany County Historical Society and for many years wrote a history newspaper column entitled, “This n’ That” for the Cumberland Times-News until 2003.

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CUMBERLAND —Josephine Lee (Darrah) Beynon, 86, of Cumberland, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center.

Born Nov. 12, 1924, in Meyersdale, Pa., Josephine was the daughter of the late Augustus and Martha Darrah. She was also preceded in death by beloved husband, Donald R. Beynon Sr.; her four sisters, Gertrude Darrah, Francis Wilmoth, Mercedes Lauerman, and Rita Groff and two brothers, James Darrah, Charles “Bud” Darrah.

Jo was an incredible multi-talented woman. She was an amazing gardener, writer, businesswoman, leader, organizer, mother and friend. No task was too big for Jo. In her early years, she became a radio ad icon with her “coolest gal in town” ad campaign for Sirna Refrigeration. Later she became the first Director of Tourism for Allegany County, and was instrumental in the promotion of Heritage Days and the revival of the Western Maryland Rail Terminal, which she could see from her window in her later years at The Kensington. She loved Cumberland and served as president and on many boards including Allegany County Historical Society, Soroptimist Club, Operation Gateway, Order of Alhambra, Drum and Bugle Corps Festival and the Salvation Army. Jo will also remembered for her weekly column called “This ‘n That” in the Cumberland Times-News.

Jo is survived by her two sons, Donald R. Beynon Jr. and wife Judie, of Oakmont, Pa., and Joseph Beynon and wife Sally, of Redmond, Wash.; three grandchildren, Brandon Beynon, of Bellevue, Wash., Lindsay Loughren and husband Michael, of Oakmont, and Chad Beynon and fiancee Hilary Koeing, of New York, N.Y.; three great-grandchildren, Jack Loughren, Carter Loughren and Elizabeth Loughren. Jo is also survived by her beloved sister, Mary Hardle and husband Jim, of Meyersdale.

Jo will be missed dearly by her family and her many dear friends.