Josephine "Jo" Chieka

Jo was born in New London, to Italian immigrants, Pasquale and Margaret (Angioletto) Fazio, on March 15, 1922.

Jo attended Harbor School and Chapman Tech in New London. She was employed at Electric Boat. After work, she would frequent the local pharmacy for a soda and that's where she met her husband of 38 years, Rudolph Sr. They were united in marriage on May 15, 1944 at St. Joseph's Church. He predeceased her in 1982.

Jo was a skilled gardener and an incredible cook. Some of her specialties included traditional Polish dishes, "the best" meatballs and her famous apple squares. Jo loved spending time with family in Alabama and Connecticut.

She leaves behind her two children, Rudy and daughter-in-law, Janice Chieka, of Waterford and Sandra and son-in-law, John Rudulph, of Mountain Brook, Ala.; five grandchildren, Diana Sullivan, Cindy Hersom, Lori Smith, John Rudulph and Michael Rudulph. She is also survived by her nine great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

Jo was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony and Louis; and by her sisters, Mary and Lena.

A memorial service will be on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood, AL.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Cathedral Church of the Advent, New Beacon Hospice, or your favorite charity.