Josephine DeFina Stetson

Josephine M. DeFina Stetson (maiden name DeSimone), long time Palm Beach real estate broker and widow of architect John Stetson, FAIA, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 06, 2015 with her family by her side. A devoted mother and multi-talented individual, she will be remembered for her loving yet sometimes fiery spirit, the opportunities she gave many individuals aspiring to careers in real estate, as well as her volunteer work for numerous service organizations.

Born in New York City to Pasqual and Antoinette DeSimone, she was the youngest of eight children. Jo demonstrated a talent for dance early in life and was runner-up in the jitterbug competition at the 1941 Harvest Moon Ball at Madison Square Garden. She proudly worked for the US Army when WWII broke out as a civilian employee developing flow charts illustrating the organizational structures of various commands and also served as a volunteer for the USO teaching soldiers how to dance.

Jo's career in real estate began in 1949 when she and her former husband, recognizing opportunity in Florida, began developing Maravilla Estates in Fort Pierce. She started selling real estate in the Palm Beaches in 1956 when she worked for Rick Meredith, Jean Scoville, and Earl Hollis. In 1973 she opened DeFina Realty, Inc. It was a pioneer move for a woman in a male dominated industry and many took notice as her firm consistently ranked as one of the top selling firms on the island as well as the nation. In 1988, Jo sold her firm to Coldwell Banker and then helped to open two more firms. She continued to maintain an active license with Sotheby’s International Realty until the time of her passing.

In retirement, Jo enjoyed competing in croquet matches around the country winning many trophies. She was passionate about the game and proved to be a great strategist. She held a handicap of 6 at her peak and served on the croquet committee at the Beach Club in addition to the social committee at the National Croquet Center being a founding member of the Ambassadors.

She was a former member of the Palm Beach Board of Realtors and instrumental in starting the MLS service in Palm Beach. She served as a Director of the Palm Beach Board for five years and also served as Vice President, Treasurer, past Membership Chairman and member of the Honor Society, served as a mediator and held numerous designations. Jo was on the Board of Directors of the Greater South County Road Association, former member of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Beach Club since 1975, a charter member of the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, a member of the U.S. Croquet Association, a member of the Green Turtle Club in the Bahamas, and a long time parishioner and member of the St. Edward’s Church guild.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband and seven brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children Pamela, Joseph, and Angela DeFina, and numerous relatives and friends.

Friends may be received from 6:00PM-8:00PM on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33417. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 10:30 AM at St. Edward Catholic Church, 144 North County Rd. Palm Beach, FL 33480.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to The American Heart Association or a charity of your choice in Jo’s name.