Josephine M De Michele's Obituary
Josephine M. De Michele, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on August 22, 2023, at the Tidewell Hospice House in Venice, Florida at the age of 96. Josephine (Josie to those who knew her), was born on December 19, 1926, in Poughkeepsie, NY to the late Antonio and Concetta (Micalizzi) Morabito, she was one of 9 children.
Josephine attended Poughkeepsie High School and went on to work for the local telephone company, which was later acquired by Verizon, for over 40 years until her retirement.
On March 28, 1948, she married Lewis S. De Michele, whom she was married to for 54 years until his passing in 2002. In addition to her parents, husband, and siblings, Josephine was predeceased by her beloved son, Gary L. De Michele.
Josephine is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline A. De Michele Grenon and her husband Andrew J. Grenon both of Palmetto, Fl, her daughter-in-law Diane De Michele (wife of Gary) and grandson
David De Michele both of Tampa, Fl. In addition to her immediate family, Josephine is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Josephine was an avid baker and loved to cook for her family and friends. She was known for her exemplary baking skills and would make large cookie platters for the holidays, family weddings and other special occasions. Josephine had a generous heart and was always helping family members, friends, and neighbors in need by cooking, cleaning for them, and donating her time. She was much loved by her many nieces and nephews who would visit with her often. In addition to baking and cooking, Josephine loved to decorate, craft, and garden. Her home was always beautifully decorated, and she loved making silk floral arrangements and other decorations, which she changed out with the seasons. Christmas time at the De Michele residence was always beautiful with her keen sense of decorating style.
As a young woman, Josephine enjoyed swimming and was a lifeguard at the local community pool. She also enjoyed bowling and was a member of the local bowling league in Poughkeepsie, NY for many years.
Josephine most loved to spend time with her family and cook up large Italian Sunday dinners. She had an infectious laugh and was known to laugh so hard that tears would come streaming down her face, which is a trait that her beloved son Gary inherited. Josephine will be dearly missed by her loved ones.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church in Parrish, Florida, on September 5, 2023, at 11:00 am. A private interment will be held at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Trinity, Florida where her final resting place will be alongside her husband Lewis and near her son Gary.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Dementia Society of America in Josephine’s honor: https://www.dementiasociety.org/
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