Josephine Dolores Lavrado

Born in New Haven, CT, on July 6, 1930, to the late Alfred and Doris Carangelo. Jo lived life to the fullest for 93 years. Fairfield, CT being her home for close to 70 years, she and her late husband Constantino (Connie) raised two children, Rick of Stratford, CT, and Judy Bommerez and her husband Jan of Santa Barbara, California.

Jo was so proud of her two careers, the first as an LPN at St Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, and in later years, working at Sikorsky in Stratford in the electrical department, from where she retired after 15 yrs. She loved her job at Sikorsky, and working alongside many friends that she made there. Jo always had a soft spot for animals and wildlife of any kind. If a hurt animal was brought home by her son, she would take care of it like it was one of her children, nursing it back to health. Whether it be a baby squirrel, raccoon, or bird, she would never turn away an injured animal.

Jo traveled extensively, first with her late husband and later with friends. Hawaii was by far her favorite spot, and she was able to visit several times. Her hobby of photography was another passion, and she entered many contests, several of which she won! She was always up for new ideas and going out for rides at different times of day to capture the right light.

Jo was not one to sit still for long. Aside from having the cleanest house of anyone ever known, it was hard to find her sometimes- off on some adventure, going to the movies, taking one of her walks in the neighborhood, working on her garden. In the summertime, you could always find her at Penfield Beach, which she visited up until a couple of weeks ago. The Fairfield Senior Center was another of her favorite places. There, she made many wonderful friends with whom she traveled, enjoyed many lunches with, saw movies, and even was doing Zumba every week up until the pandemic. Jo was a force to be reckoned with. Stubborn, independent to a fault, strong and determined, she never asked for help. She always, always wanted to do everything herself. A week after hip surgery when she was 80, she was out raking the leaves in her yard by herself!

Once Jo became a grandmother, much of her time was spent going to ballgames, watching performances at schools, going to carnivals, picking apples, dance recitals, and so many other activities. She never missed an event! Holidays, birthdays, and picnics will not be the same without her there. Her faith was so very important to her, especially in her final years. When she could no longer attend mass, she watched it on tv seven days a week, and found so much comfort in her prayers and beliefs. Prayer being such an important part of her life, she spent many years as a member of the St. Pius prayer line. We will certainly all miss her smile, laughter, and her ready hugs, but are comforted by our many years with her and the knowledge that she is once again with her beloved Connie, and now rests with Our Lord, to whom she was so devoted.

In addition to her two children, Jo is also survived by her daughter-in-law Carole LeMoult and her husband Chris of Trumbull, along with devoted grandchildren: Jessica LeMoult of Trumbull, Heather LeMoult of Monroe, Jeremy LeMoult, her “precious Angel” and his wife Angela of Trumbull, Shea LeMoult (Jozie, Adam and Paulie) of Trumbull, Kate LeMoult (Eric) of Milford, Jonathan Bommerez of Nevada, Cheyan Lavrado and Ricky Lavrado, both of Stratford. Blessed also with great grandchildren Aleesia, Jeremy (JJ), Cora, Nya, and Reya. Jo leaves behind two sisters, Dori Dibuccio of North Branford, and Lori Carangelo of California, niece Nonni Dibuccio of North Branford, nephew Pat (Cindy), great niece Tony, and predeceased by niece Doreen Dibuccio. Leaving behind so many friends who loved her so, most especially Bernice and Arthur Bianci of North Haven, and longtime girlfriends Marie Sodaro and Eleanor Penciaro.

Special Thanks to Right At Home, especially Shonda and Louise , and all of her wonderful neighbors who all loved her and who helped to care for Jo for the last few months at home.

Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated Monday, November 27th, 10am at St. Pius X Parish, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield, CT. Interment to immediately follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery, 2675 North Ave, Bridgeport, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Josephine's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com for the Lavrado family.