In Memoriam: Pina Templeton

Psalm 103 supports POPS in Schools at the Isaac Sheppard Elementary School in Kensington and the Philadelphia Military Academy in North Philadelphia, both with multi-year commitments.

Josephine Templeton, physician, and benefactor to The Philly POPS and dozens of other cultural and charitable organizations passed away on October 25 at her home in Bryn Mawr.

“Pina” as she was known by her many friends, was born on the island of Capri, Italy and moved to the U.S. when she was nine. After attending Fordham University and earning her medical degree from the University of Rome, Pina came to Philadelphia for a residency in anesthesiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology and critical care at CHOP where she ultimately spent 20 years as senior clinical anesthesiologist.

Having started her career in the 1960s, she was one of only a handful of female pediatric anesthesiologists in the country and became a role model for other women in the field. Over the next 30 years she became a leading anesthesiologist, and teaching doctor at the University of Pennsylvania. She worked with her husband and fellow physician Jack at CHOP for 20 years.

In 2007, she received the Robert M. Smith Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Section on Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, her field’s top honor.

Pina and her late husband Jack promoted patriotism, and in particular the support of the men and women of the armed forces through grants and contributions to many organizations. Pina served on the Museum of the American Revolution board and was an active leader and benefactor of the Union League Legacy Foundation. Her support of the POPS in Schools program found a perfect fit for these interests with her support of the Philadelphia Military Academy and the Salute Series.