Josephine "Jodie" Apato Mickey

Josephine (Apato) Mickey, affectionately known as Jodie to her family and friends, gently closed her eyes to this earthly life, and entered eternal peace and rest Wednesday, August 17, 2022, surrounded in love by her family. At her passing she was 67.

Jodie was born March 30, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Ralph Apato and the late Violet (Apato) Valentic and was one of five children born to that union. She attended the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fl with a concentration in Fine Arts. As an artist, Jodie spent a lot of time visiting local markets and supporting her fellow artists. She also worked outside the home in accounting and payroll, but gave up that for the best role ever, mother. Jodie and Bill welcomed Joshua Taylor Mickey into their family and from that day on, she devoted her life to her husband and best friend, Bill, and raising Joshua and taking care of the home.

Joshua spoke of his mother’s love for music and how she not only home schooled him but supported and encouraged him during his violin lessons. Bill reminisced about her career in fitness and competing in Miss Fitness America. He spoke of how proud he and Joshua were of her, and of her will and commitment to not only stay fit for competition, but for her health as well. Jodie was able to compete with the best of the best in New York and Los Angeles and it was a moment that she cherished.

Both Bill and Joshua shared some smiles and a few tears while speaking of Jodie’s love for others and her outgoing personality. Joshua brought a laugh to everyone when remembering how his mom spoke with everyone that she crossed while shopping at Whole Foods. “She knew everybody there, even the cashiers and baggers by name” shared Joshua. Bill spoke of how Jodie would light up the room when she walked in. Her smile…her laugh, and a charismatic personality simply drew people to her and it made her day.

Above all, Jodie lived her life for Bill and Joshua and her daughter-in-law Tianyuan “BeiBei”. She leaves a legacy that will surely live on in the hearts and thoughts of all who knew and loved her. We know that she is not gone, only gone on before us and we will be reunited one day. Until then, rest well. We love you.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 37 years, William “Bill” Mickey; her only son, Joshua Taylor Mickey, and wife Tianyuan “BeiBei” Wang ; her brother and sister, Ralph Apato and Rosalind (Apato) Schroeder; and a host of nieces/nephews, in laws and friends who will miss her dearly.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Sharon (Apato) Moore and Valerie (Apato) Cherchian.

Memorial services celebrating Jodie’s life will be announced shortly and will be held at Memory Garden Funeral Home, 5641 Hwy. 90 West, Milton, Florida 32583. Following services, Jodie will be laid to rest at Memory Garden Cemetery.

In Jodie’s memory please consider a memorial contribution to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, in hopes that research will lead to a cure for this illness.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting her memorial page at www.evangelinestmartin.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of local arrangements.