My Mom’s eulogy Part 3:
Even during this past year in assisted living, she continued doing what she had always done—touching lives. The staff loved her. The residents loved her. She shared her stories, gave cooking advice, made people laugh, and made everyone feel like family.

That was my mother.

She was one of the strongest, kindest, most loving, forgiving, and unselfish people I have ever known. She never expected anything in return. She simply gave—her time, her heart, her home, and, of course, her incredible cooking.

She truly was the hostess with the mostest.

She loved feeding people, entertaining, laughing, and making everyone feel welcome. It didn’t matter if you were family or a stranger—you left her house feeling like you belonged.

Our friends lovingly called her Mama Josephine. I couldn’t have a gathering without someone asking, “Where’s your mother?” She wasn’t just invited to the party—she was the party.

She taught me so many lessons about life. One of the things she said most often was, “Two wrongs never make a right.” She lived by kindness, forgiveness, hard work, and unconditional love.

Mom, you have been my hero, my best friend, my teacher, and my rock. Everything I am today is because of you. Thank you for every sacrifice you made, every lesson you taught, every meal you cooked, every hug you gave, and every ounce of love you poured into our family.

I hope I can be even half the woman you were.

Although our hearts are broken, I know you are finally at peace. I like to think that you are reunited with Daddy, Elena, your family, and the friends you have missed for so many years.

And maybe there is a big card game in heaven waiting for you.

You were loved beyond words, and you will be missed beyond measure.

Rest peacefully, Mom. Your life was extraordinary, your love was unconditional, and your legacy will live on in all of us.

I love you… forever.

My mom’s eulogy part 2:
She arrived in America unable to speak a word of English. She became Josephine Rielli, living with Aunt Elisa and her husband, George, an American who spoke no Italian. Somehow, they found a way to understand each other, and she loved “Pop George” dearly. She told countless stories about him, and every one of them made us smile.

Then, in 1956, while attending Germantown High School and learning English, she met the love of her life—my father, Joseph Alessandro. Their love story began there, surrounded by a close-knit community of Italian friends who would become family.

They celebrated weddings together, became godparents to one another’s children, and built friendships that lasted a lifetime. To those lifelong friends, thank you. I love you all.

My parents married in 1959 and began building the beautiful family that became the center of my mother’s world. Friday nights meant card games, laughter, incredible food, and children running through the house together. Some of my happiest memories were made in our home at 7255 Mansfield Avenue.

In 1970, we moved to Huntingdon Valley, and another dream came true. Her beloved sister Anna, along with Gino and Patricia, came from Italy to live with us. After so many years apart, the family was finally together again. It brought my mother tremendous joy.

My parents also built a successful business, Joe the Tailor, through hard work, determination, and sacrifice. They truly lived the American dream.

Then came Atlantic City.

In 1977, they bought a summer place at the Island Club. Every Saturday night, after closing the dry-cleaning shop, off we went. I still don’t know how my mother managed to feed so many people from that tiny efficiency condo, but somehow she always did. There was always enough food, enough laughter, and enough room for one more person.

Mom used to joke, “I want to die on the beach or in the casino.” That was so perfectly her.

My Mom’s Eulogy:


On September 12, 1937, a baby girl named Giuseppina Marzolli was born in Teramo, Italy. She was a feisty little girl from the very beginning—though the world had no idea just how strong she would become.

Her childhood was filled with challenges. She lost her mother, Anna, at a young age and was raised by her father, Luigi, and her extended family. She often spoke with great love about her grandfather and the important role he played in her life. Later, her father married a wonderful woman named Splendora, who loved and raised Giuseppina as her own daughter. Then came her beautiful little sister, Anna, whom my mother adored.

Then came World War II.

Mom often shared stories about how frightening those years were. It is hard for me to imagine living through what she experienced. One story she told many times was the day her father was killed when an army tank struck him while he was riding his bicycle home from visiting relatives. She was supposed to go with him that day, but her stepmother convinced him to leave her at home. Thank God she did. Mom always remembered that before the family received the news, their dog began howling. Splendora looked at everyone and quietly said, “Something has happened to your father.” Sadly, she was right.

Years before, my mother’s aunt in America, Elisa Rielli, had promised her sister that she would one day bring Giuseppina to the United States. After many years of trying, that promise was finally fulfilled.

In 1955, at just 17 years old, my mother left everything she knew behind and came to America. Before leaving Italy, she begged her stepmother to buy her a pair of pants. At that time, young women simply didn’t wear pants in Italy—but if you knew my mother, you knew she was determined. She got those pants.

Remembering Josephine today…in recent years there’s been a distance in miles but not in affection. A loving, caring presence to all, and the mother of my dearest life long friend Annalisa.
A couple of years ago, we were able to get together in Florida and enjoy a lovely dinner and great company.
The memories and her spirit will linger until we meet again❣️

I remember the moment I met you, although I don’t remember the function. I was just a teenager. You were seated at the table next to ours, and when I glanced over, I thought I was looking at Susan Hayward’s twin.  When I told you, you laughed graciously.  From that second, we were friends.  We shared many times and many laughs.  We were neighbors in Atlantic City, where the beach and the casino beckoned to you.  You were such a fun-loving person, and had such a spirit of hospitality.  I know you are already cooking up a storm up there.  Be at peace and at rest with your Joe, Elena, parents, and scores of friends.  Arrivederla, dear friend.  Heartfelt condolences to Annalisa, George and all loved you.

No gathering was complete without Josephine whipping up something amazing from her kitchen in a moments notice. It was always » I didn’t know what to make, so I found this and added that » and she created a sensation!  Of course there was always a glass of wine to go with the meal.

Mama Josephine was the life of the party. If there was a party, the guest list wasn’t complete until she arrived.  She would try anything and then laugh a contagious laugh as she may not have managed to succeed at the task at hand.  There was always a story she could tell about growing up in Italy during the war and the trauma of losing her father at a young age or coming to the USA at 17, not speaking any English and trying to avoid this very persistent young man who would become the love of her life.

What a wonderful celebration of your mom’s birthday!  She was so surprised by the outpouring of love from all those she touched.

OBITUARY

Josephine Alessandro

September 12, 1937 – July 17, 2026

Wm. Rowen Grant Funeral Home Inc.

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