Born in Terrasini, Sicily, Italy in December of 1954, Josephine spent her early years of her life in the warmth of her hometown. In the early 1970s, she became engaged to her future husband, Giovanni. Before their marriage, Giovanni traveled to America to prepare to make a life for themselves there. He returned to Italy to marry Josephine, and in 1973 the couple moved to America to begin their journey together. They started their American life along with starting their family, remaining in the US until the early 1980s, when life took them back to Italy, where they remained until 1998. They returned to Michigan in 1998 permanently.
Josephine was generous, caring, and always available (always made sure you had what you needed). She worshiped and praised God every day. She was always very giving without expecting anything back; always had an extra place at the table for anyone regardless how many show up at dinnertime; always had a place to stay for out of country visitors and guests. Josephine was a LIVELY and FUN person. She could always made you laugh, and wherever she went people would always know she was there because of her loud and distinct voice (Pina c’è).
Josephine was a great dancer. With her husband, there was never a doubt that you would not notice her on the dance floor spinning around mazurka, tango and all traditional dancing.
Pina was the home of Maccarruna, spinci di prescia, nucatuli and zizi Pina S cookies. The secret recipe in all of those was Love.
Josephine loved her husband Giovanni and her kids with all her heart, but more so her grandkids and furry (dog), Kenny. They were the loves of her life and they gave her constant purpose. Her bible study group was ALWAYS there for her, too. For this, the family would like to thank them immensely for that. She loved them greatly. Josephine loved everyone.
Josephine was the beloved wife of Giovanni Serra; adored mother of Caterina Hofer (Edward), Vito Serra (Josie), and Giampiero Serra; Treasured Nonna of Giovanni, Michael, Vito, Petro and Valentina; Dearest sister of Faro Palazzolo, Angelo Palazzolo, Maria Palazzolo (Antonio), Domenico Palazzolo, and Salvatore Palazzolo (Enza); Cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents Pietro Palazzolo and Antonina Galati, as well as sisters-in-law Pina, Vita and Wilfrede Palazzolo.
An in state for Josephine will be held Friday, July 12, 2024 from 9:30 AM, until time of funeral mass at 10:30 AM at San Francesco Catholic Church, 22870 S Nunneley Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
