Josephine Janet Guerra Lanza

Josephine, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on December 16, 1935, in Teaneck, New Jersey, Josephine was a beacon of love and warmth to all who knew her.

Her parents were Mary and Anthony Guerra and her surviving brother Robert Guerra, husband to Dolores.

She resided in Teaneck, NJ until 1957 when she married her husband Nicholas J. Lanza and moved to Palisades Park, NJ. From there, the married couple moved to Fair Lawn, in 1960. She became the mother of three children, Lisa Lanza Heinze, husband, Peter, Nicholas J. Lanza Jr, wife, Brenda, Joseph Lanza, wife, Donna and six grandchildren: Jennie Heinze Boucher, husband, Beau, Andrew Heinze, wife, Veronica, Caroline Heinze Mehls, husband, Cameron, Ashley Lanza Giuliano, husband, Joe, Michael Lanza, Nicholas J. Lanza III and two great grandchildren, Parker Dustin Boucher and Preslee Josephine Boucher.

Josephine attended Teaneck High School and graduated in 1953. She was happy and proud to sing her high school's alma mater, “On a Hill She Stands” at any time. Her first NYC job was in a bank before becoming a private secretary for Borden’s. Her hands starred in a milk commercial. After raising her three children, Josephine returned to work for ten years at Annie Sez Designer shop in Paramus, NJ where she became the store’s VIP. She always dressed eloquently and dreamed of being a clothes designer. She was never afraid to glam up her outfits, cane, or walker. A themed outfit was always so her!

After retiring, she and her husband moved to Myrtle Beach, SC where they built their dream house. They spent 25 wonderful years enjoying the sunsets, while forging so many great new friendships. They enjoyed many shows, happy hours and trips together.

They relocated to Houston, TX, where they lived with their daughter Lisa and her husband Peter, until they moved to a senior living community.

Josephine dedicated her life to her family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, a lasting smile, and unwavering strength. She was very proud of her kids and grandchildren. She was delighted to be a Great-Grandmother and knitted each one a blanket.

Jo enjoyed piano, knitting, word puzzles, music, dancing, and most of all shopping and sweets. You might easily find her “shopping at the mall, having a ball!” She was a person who enjoyed good conversation and a fun party.

Josephine will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warmth, infectious laughter, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. We so appreciate the care and support she received from so many incredible doctors, nurses, and other care team members throughout her life.

A Celebration of Life is planned for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486: In Memory of Josephine Lanza, designated to colon cancer research and/or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.