Josephine Marie Ernst

Josephine Marie Ernst, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died on September 8, 2008, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, surrounded by loving family, after a heroic battle with cancer. Jo was born in NYC on January 18, 1924, daughter of Fernand Spagna and Genevieve Nuzziola Spagna. She graduated from Christopher Columbus H.S. in 1942. Jo worked as a page for CBS and the foreign trades division of Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. On June 4, 1949, she married Robert Ernst. The couple raised three children in New York and Connecticut. During this time Jo worked as president of Ernst Stair Fabricators, Inc. A devout Catholic, Jo took great pleasure in helping the elderly, handicapped children and many volunteer organizations that provide comfort and hospitality to others. In 1995, Jo and Bob moved to Wilmington, NC where they became active members of St. Mark's Catholic Church and she joined the Columbiettes. She served as State Advocate of the Columbiettes from 2002-2004. In 2001 and 2003 she was recognized as Columbiette of the Year of her local chapter for ""outstanding dedication and service."" Jo also volunteered at Wilmington's Railroad Museum. Jo dedicated most of her time to her close-knit family and extensive network of friends. Her boundless energy, infinite generosity, compassionate nature and welcoming heart will truly be missed every day by those fortunate enough to have known and loved her. Jo is survived by her husband Bob, her children Robert and wife Susan of Wilmington, Stephen and wife Cathy of Stamford, CT, and Lisa Trefry of Sudbury, MA, grandchildren Amanda, Joseph and William Ernst, and Meghan, Matthew and Brooke Trefry. She is also survived by her sister Genevieve Corton, brothers Neil Spagna and Gregory Spagna, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in whose hearts she held a special place. Jo was predeceased by her parents, sisters Santa Jensen and Norma Whitby. The family wishes to thank all the nurses at NHRMC for the wonderful care they provided. A memorial service and celebration of Jo's life will be held at St. Mark's RC Church, 1011 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC on September 20, 2008, at 1:30. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Josephine's name to Stand Up To Cancer at standup2cancer.org.