Giuseppina Maria Pia Manetti

cancer. Josephine was born Giuseppina Maria Pia Marchetti on November 4, 1934 in the small town of

San Leonardo in Treponzio, Lucca, Italy, to her parents, Alessio Marchetti and Marieangela Da Valle. She

was the only daughter and youngest of four children. As a young girl on her family’s farm, she lived

through the German invasion of Northern Italy and the Second World War. As a result, she was strong

and resilient, and never took everyday luxuries (like good food and a scoop of ice cream) for granted.

Giuseppina left home in 1958 at age 24 and set off for Stockton, California, where she became known as

Josephine. In Stockton, she met and married her husband Costante Manetti. Josephine and Costante

were married for 50 years, during which time they welcomed their two beloved children, Carla and

Robert. Josephine and Costante worked tirelessly to build a home and a life in Stockton for themselves

and their children. Although Stockton was home, they often returned to their native Italy with their

children to visit family and friends. Later, Josephine became a devoted Nonna to her five grandchildren,

Alex and Daniel Leonardini and Melina, Matthew, and Mallory Manetti.

Josephine was a talented and passionate cook, known for her delicious family feasts. Many have tried

(and failed) to recreate her iconic meat sauce. Above all else, Josephine loved her family and close

friends here in the United States and in Italy. Her loved ones will miss sitting at her kitchen table for

espresso and biscotti, and gathering around her dining table for Sunday dinner. But most of all, we will

miss her laughter and loving embrace. Josephine’s strong spirit, sense of humor, and love and devotion

to her family will live on through the people she touched.

Josephine is now reunited with her husband, Costante, and beloved daughter Carla. She is also

predeceased by her parents, her three older brothers Enzo, Francesco, and Sergio Marchetti, and her

sister-in-law, Maria Mariani. She is survived by her son Robert, five grandchildren, sisters-in-law Rosella

Marchetti, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be viewing held on December 21, 2023, at DeYoung Memorial Chapel from 3-7pm. She will be placed to rest at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery privately.

In lieu of flowers, Josephine’s family would appreciate a donation to the Hospice of San Joaquin in her

honor.