Josephine "Jo" Grace Torrisi

Josephine (Jo) Grace Torrisi, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died at the age of 85 on July 12th, 2021. She cherished her family and friends but sadly died of complications from small-cell lung cancer at her home in Jacksonville, FL. She was a member of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church.

Jo was born in Boston, MA on April 18th, 1936. Her parents were Frederick A. and Josephine M. Stearns. A graduate of Simmons College with a Bachelor's in Nursing Science, Jo created a career motivated by hard work, compassion, and her dedication to her patients and coworkers. This career not only included a well-respected nursing career, but she enjoyed teaching nursing courses and later worked in administrative positions in various hospitals and nursing homes .

Jo's love of her family had her following her husband's career path to many states from New England states to California, until both she and her husband retired in Jacksonville, Florida. California was a relatively brief stop as the family realized that they would rather face blizzards and hurricanes than earthquakes. Her hobbies, besides spending time with her family and friends included traveling, music, reading, being a master seamstress, creating beautiful works of art in needlecraft, and cooking. She also loved holidays and spending quiet times with her furry family members.

She is survived by her two daughters, Karen A. Wilde (Bruce) and Susan M. Madden (Steve). Between the two daughters' families, Jo is survived by five grandchildren: Sarah Wilde, Kayla Wilde (Aaron Bellamy), Trevor (TJ) Wilde, Chase Madden (Kayla Madden), and Cole Madden. Jo was also blessed with five beautiful great-grandchildren: Kennedy Madden, Parker Bellamy, Caroline Madden, Preston Bellamy, and Skylar Madden.

Jo is predeceased by her husband, James J. Torrisi with whom she will be interred; and her granddaughter Jo Madden. She is also predeceased by her brother, Frederick A. Stearns, and her nephew Daniel B. Stearns.

Funeral services will be held at San Jose Catholic Church, 3619 Toledo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217 on Friday, July 23rd, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.. At Jo's request, she wants people to celebrate her life and not mourn her death so please wear colors if you attend her service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, https://donate3.cancer.org.