Josephine was in my class at the Sorbonne in Paris. She was a sweet lady with so much personality. We were both young and living a dream studying in France. We both loved our patisserie's her favorite was the eclair au cafe and we would treat ourselves after class most days. So many memories of that year. May she rest in peace. your Paris classmate from chicago.

Our families seemed to become one when our son became friends with Erik in middle school, and we were fortunate to have Josephine enter our lives. Josephine and I felt like we had know each other forever and in a way we had. We quickly discovered we both grew up in Dorchester to Italian American families where good food and spirited conversation were cherished. Several months into our friendship we learned that Josephine's beloved Uncle Constantino and my father were best friends, meeting in the North End for coffee and trading their homemade wine and tomatoes from the garden. Josephine and I visited my elderly dad, who was so appreciative of the visit. Our family had so many wonderful times with Josephine, Bruce and Erik: vacationing in Puerto Rico, beach days at Nantasket, watching our sons' many sporting events, dinners at Josephine's recommended restaurants, visits to the Cape, and game nights. Josephine was an amazing mother, baker, gardener and photographer. She generously shared all her talents. Josephine gifted us with framed photos of our son, daughter, and even a pop art version of our dog. Josephine hosted holiday parties for the kids that she would commemorate with a photo keepsake. All of these hang in our home. If Josephine shared her expertise on the best parmesan, panettone, or ricotta pie, in no time you would receive it as a gift. When she baked a delicious batch of cookies ( caramel filled chocolate) you would receive them, perfectly boxed, along with the recipe. I will miss the rich conversation we had. Josephine was a voracious reader and could offer insight into any topic. I will miss our bike rides along the Neponset, and coffee in her beautiful yard. I will miss our friendship and the passionate person who made you think, and laugh and savor what life has to offer.

Josephine was an amazing woman. She was very intelligent, hardworking, and beautiful. If i was to use one word to describe her, it would be passionate. She approached everything she had to do and loved to do with intense passion. She excelled in her career and everything else she did. She loved photography, cooking (she was a big time foodie), was a master baker and gardener, and loved exploring the world. But most of all, she loved being Erik's mother. Josephine adored her son Erik and talked about him constantly! During the last year and a half, we spent much time together individually and as a family. More so than we had in a while. Though she couldn't garden on her own and couldn't travel, she loved spending time in our sister Maria's beautiful garden and going to the cape. We shared some beautiful memories that we will carry with us forever. Josephine was robbed of many years of life, but she packed a lot of life into her 68 years. I've lost a beloved sister and friend. But, she will remain alive in our hearts always.

I was Josephine's next door neighbor on Hawthorn Rd from 2012-2019. We bonded immediately and formed a very special friendship. Her pride and Joy was her son Erik. And I can't forget the love she showed her kitty Byron. Her garden was a masterpiece and I would forever be asking questions which flowers would look best indoors and outdoors. When I had my DNA searched through Ancestry and I discovered my paternal lineage was Italian, I think Josephine was more excited than I was! Josephine was there for me when my dog Mulligan passed. I send my love and condolences to Bruce and Erik and Josephine's family. She was a stellar person and I am so fortunate I was able to call Josephine was my friend. You've left a legacy and spirit that will never diminish. xo

My dear friend Jos - we go way back when we met on the flight to our junior year abroad in Paris. So many wonderful memories there, and in all the years that followed. Birthdays for our boys, dinners back and forth on our decks, holidays, going to Nantasket Beach, vacations together - and just hanging out. We got through all the ups and downs that came our way. So many laughs, and cries too, through all these years of friendship. I will miss you, Josephine. Sally

Erik and Bruce, I am so sorry for your loss, Josephine will be in our hearts and minds always. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Greg Holster

My deepest condolences to Josephine's family. I got to know Josephine very well when she worked with me in the Boston Globe Library. She was passionate about many things and always enjoyed a good party. In the 1980s when television shows like Dallas and Dynasty were popular we would often take turns hosting watch parties. I will always remember her sense of fun and her enthusiasm for cooking. Wanda

I will always remember my friend in her garden with her cat. Always working on that gorgeous garden. Telling me which flower goes better in shade and full sun. She always had time to listen and share her stories. My son Daniel will always remember all the times she hid goodies in the garden for him when he walked by when he was younger. He would say I found treasure. She always loved doing that for him. I will miss you Josephine and will treasure all the times you made me sit still under your favorite tree on my very busy days. Sandy Chung Ruiz

After I moved from California to Boston in the 1980s, I felt a bit like a stranger in a strange land. Josephine was one of the first Easterners I got to know and soon my stereotyped notions of the East Coast was washed away like coastal debris in a northeaster. Smart, witty, full of life and energy -- often with a touch of sarcasm, Josephine soon made me think: if Massachusetts has a few more souls like her, I'm staying. Brimming with a constant flow of ideas and observations on just about anything and never at a loss for words to articulate them, she was a delight to be around. I will smile when I think back on those times of good humor and kick-off-your-shoes silliness. I will never forget Josephine. She leaves behind a trail of indelible memories.