jozef 3

We are told that St. Joseph was 18 years of age... 

when the time came for his parents to depart from this earth. 

His mother was first to die, due to illness. It was Joseph who ministered to her, in her last days. Such happiness and consolation she experienced in her final moments, in the presence of her holy son: he rendered to his mother Rachel a most commendable [lovenswaardige] assistance and service, strengthening and comforting her in her pain, constantly begging God to give her patience in her agonizing illness.

The holy youth spent many a night, watching and assisting at his mother’s bedside, or praying for her. Just as he had previously shown his gratitude for her goodness to him, so now in these last moments of her life, his behavior was exemplary. He did not wish to leave her, and never tired of serving her, or comforting her with his truly childlike, yet holy love. 

Joseph remained with her until she expired. He was a great help not only to her, but also to his father, who was sorely grieved over the loss of so virtuous a companion in life.

St. Joseph, suffering and weakened by the loss of his mother, had little time to grieve, as it was soon after her departure that his father had become ill. He would continue in his role as devoted son to his father, just as he had done for his mother, ministering to him in his final moments:

[bron]