Josephine Spadaro

Josephine Spadaro passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023, at her home in San Rafael, California at the age of 101. She was surrounded by family throughout the day and died peacefully at 6:20 p.m. that evening.

Born April 24, 1922, at their family home in Wrights, California in the Santa Cruz mountains to Nunzio (Nick) and Nunziata (Nancy) Spadaro, who immigrated from Comiso, Italy making her first generation in the United States – and helping her mother and father to both become US Citizens. Josephine would grow up helping her father harvest prunes from their orchard for market. She drove their tractor and rode their horse “Pete”. She attended Burrell school, a one room schoolhouse (1st through 8th grade) in Los Gatos, a short three mile walk from their home. In the late 1930’s the family decided to move to San Francisco where she would eventually begin a 20-year career with the telephone company. In 1956 she would give birth to her daughter Anna who she adored and loved dearly. In 1962 she purchased her one and only home in San Rafael, California. While working and raising Anna, Jo returned to school where she earned her AA degree. She retired in 1986 to begin the rest of her journey enjoying time with her daughter, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She had three siblings: sister Adeline (who passed away in 2019 at the age 95), brother, Salvatore (who passed away in 1926 at the age of 1), and youngest sister Betty.

She is survived by her sister Betty, her daughter Anna; grandchildren Carol, Tina, and Robert; great-grandchildren, Daniel, Jaleesa, Clara, Nathan, Emani, Aubrey, Macy and Mal’ahki; and expected great-great-grand-daughter Emma and many, many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews and always remembered them on their birthdays!

She loved cars and had many; loved music and had a piano, organ, and accordion. Her favorite TV shows were “I Love Lucy”, “One Life to Live” and whatever was playing on the Hallmark channel.

Josephine will always be remembered for her faith in God, her unending love for her family, her forgiving spirit, and her willingness to help anyone. She always greeted you with a kiss, and her favorite saying when parting ways or ended a phone conversation was – I Love You Forever ……and it generally came with a kiss on the cheek!

Mom, Gramma, Sister, Auntie Jo – We Love You Forever!