LOVES PARK, IL. Josephine Marie Canavesi, 88, was welcomed into heaven on Thursday, December 24, 2015. Born July 9, 1927 in Rockford to Michael and Pauline (Merlo) Gulotta. She proudly graduated from Muldoon High School and retired as a clerical secretary for the State of Illinois.
Josie was a life member of the Verdi and Lombardi clubs. She enjoyed making family memories on their summer vacations in Apple Canyon and winters in Florida. Josie made a career out of taking care of her family and creating special bonds with all of her grandchildren.
Survivors: life companion of 30 years, Gerald Hollis; children, Karl (Kathleen) Canavesi Jr. and Mary Jo (Rick) Stauffer, and their father, Karl Canavesi Sr. ;grandchildren, Jessica (Brian Disharoon) Canavesi, Kraig (Melissa Fischer) Canavesi; great grandchildren, Hannah and Camden; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends and the companionship of her dog, Bear. Predeceased by parents; siblings, Lillian Gulotta, Esther Licausi, Joseph Gulotta, and infant sister.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m.on Saturday, January 2, 2016, at St. Bernadettes Church 2300 Bell Ave. Rockford, Il. Visitation: 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial in Calvary Cemetery.
