Josephine Catalano

Josephine Rose (Coppola) Catalano, 97, died Monday, November 27, 2017, peacefully in her sleep in Nashua, NH. She was born on November 28, 1919 in Vallefiorita, Italy, the daughter of Salvatore and Maria Rosa Coppola.

Josephine, her parents, and her five siblings immigrated to the US in 1928, coming through Ellis Island, settling in the North End of Boston, and later moving to Watertown, MA. It was there that she met and married her husband, the late Domenic Catalano, on June 30, 1946. They were married for 32 years, until his death in 1978.

Josephine was devoted to her family, and was a wonderful cook who generously shared the food she made with all who came to her table. To her, food was love. She was also a talented seamstress who sewed, knitted, and crocheted many a heartfelt gift for people over her lifetime. Late in life, as her eyesight failed and her hands became arthritic, she continued to make small simple blankets for animal shelters saying the "the kitties don't care about the mistakes." She was blessed with a green thumb, enjoying gardening and growing indoor and outdoor plants that thrived under her care. But nothing made her happier than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were truly the joy of her life.

As a long time resident of New Bedford, MA she was a communicant of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, active in parish life where she taught CCD, sang in the choir and participated in many church and diocesan activities. She was a recipient of the Diocese of Fall River Marian Medal Award in recognition of her service. She retired to Holiday, Florida where she was also active in church and community life for many years, while enjoying the sunshine and warmth of the Gulf Coast. For the past several years, she resided in senior living communities in Bow and Nashua, NH, remaining active and vibrant through her final days.

Josephine is survived by her daughters and their families; Norma and Jeffrey Burkle of Grafton MA, grandson Scott Burkle and children Connor and Sarah; granddaughter Julie Burkle; daughter Barbara and Joseph Frenette of Quincy MA; granddaughter Carrie and husband Brian Bellerby, children Brian, Matthew and Kate; daughter Annette and Jeffrey Watson of Bow, NH; granddaughter Katie Potter and children Kai and Evan; a sister, Lucia Valente of Needham, MA and many loved and loving nieces, nephews and their families. She is also blessed to have had many dear friends, near and far, whom she cherished over her lifetime.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 09, 2017 at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 247 North St, New Bedford, MA with Father Brian Harrington officiating. Committal will immediately follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 1213 Kempton St., New Bedford MA. There will be no calling hours.

The family requests that those who wish to do so make a contribution to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a charity Josephine donated to each Christmas in loving memory of her predeceased infant grandson, Joshua, whom she called a guardian angel, or donate to any other worthy charity that you choose.