Josephine Tarantino Smith

Josephine (Josie) Tarantino Smith, age 71, died Sunday, April 18, 2010 at her home in Madisonville, Louisiana after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a resident of Madisonville for the past five years. Daughter of the late Pascal A. Tarantino and Grace Palmisano Tarantino born June 4, 1938. Beloved wife of Albert D. Smith, III. Devoted mother of Albert D. Smith, IV (Nikki), Julie S. Buhrer (Scott), and Jeannine S. Wegener (Scott). Loving grandmother of Taylor M. Wegener, Rebecca J. Buhrer, Caroline G. Wegener, Wilson S. Buhrer, and Jackson D. Buhrer. Sister of the late Pascal A. Tarantino (Kathy), Mary E. Liuzza (Nick), and Michael J. Tarantino (Jackie). Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Anselm's Catholic Church in Madisonville for the past five years. She was a former parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church in Metairie as well as a member of the Northlake Republican's Women's Club, the St. Joseph's Club at St. Anselm's, and Membership Chairman of the Northlake Newcomer's Club. The family would like to thank all of the physicians involved with her care, especially Dr. Bennie Nobles, Dr. Joan Cheng, and Dr. Ellen Zakris. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Odyssey Healthcare for their compassionate care of Mrs. Smith. Family and Friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Ann Church and Shrine, 3601 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, on Wednesday, April 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Followed by a mass at 12:30 p.m. and interment at Garden of Memories. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America in memory of Mrs. Smith at www.curesarcoma.org or mail donations to Sarcoma Foundation of America, 9884 Main Street, Damascus, MD 20872. Condolences may be offered online at www.gardenofmemoriesfuneralhome.com.