Josephine Muradas

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Josephine Muradas, 83, of Annadale, a retired elementary school teacher and a loving sister who liked to travel, died Wednesday in Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton.

She was born in Pontevedra, Spain, the daughter of a merchant marine. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 13, moving with her family to New Orleans when her father, then a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Coast Guard, was transferred there.

In 1954, the family relocated to Clifton. For the last 40 years, she has lived in Annadale.

An elementary school teacher with the Woodbridge Township Board of Education for 44 years, she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and received a master's in education from Wagner College, Grymes Hill.

An avid reader, she also enjoyed visiting gardens and museums while traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Her favorite destinations included France, Denmark, Italy and Hawaii.

"She was a kind and caring person who was dedicated to her family. She will be deeply missed," said her sister, Rose Muradas.

In addition to her sister, Rose, she is survived by her brother, Ray Muradas.

The funeral will be Saturday from the Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, with a mass at 9:15 a.m. in St. Clare's R.C. Church, both in Great Kills. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.