Josephine Jennusa Mondello

Josephine was born on January 23, 1913, in DeRidder, Louisiana to Benedetto “Ben” Jennussa and Mary Sacco Jennusa, both immigrants from Sicily. She came to Port Arthur in 1916 and has lived here ever since. Josephine worked in her families’ grocery store and later in Plessala’s grocery store. After marrying Louis Mondello in 1952 she enjoyed cooking Italian food, baking pies and working in her yard and garden. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur.

Josephine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Louis G. Mondello, her parents, her son-in-law, Carl S. Lisotta, her step-daughter, Marie Mondello Maniscalco and husband Martin Maniscalco, her brothers, Joe, Paul, Tony, Ben and Frank Jennusa and her sisters, Annie Messina and Grace Pitry Irwin.

Survivors include her step-daughter, Frances Mondello Lisotta of Port Arthur; grandchildren, Johanna Maniscalco Allison, J.L. Maniscalco, Martin Maniscalco, Jr., David Maniscalco, Michael Lisotta and Mary Jo Dowling; ten great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and a host of special nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends and family will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2010, at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home in Port Arthur with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A Chapel Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 22, 2010, at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Port Arthur.

The family would like to thank all the staff members of Cypress Glenn East Nursing and Rehabilitation and Harbor Hospice for their help and support.

Thank you Mom for you guidance and unconditional love. Your family and friends will always remember your delicious Italian food and pies. Mom, you took the word “step” out of stepmother. As a little girl, GOD took my mother to be with him in heaven and sent you to guide me with love through the rest of your life. I will always love you Mom. Your daughter, Frances.

For those unable to attend services you may sign the “Guest Book” at www.grammier-oberle.com. In lieu of flowers “Memorial Contributions” can be made to Harbor Hospice at 2450 North Major Dr., Beaumont, TX 77706.