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Josephine Russell
September 1, 1931 ~ March 11, 2018 (age 86) 86 Years Old
3 Flowers or Condolences have been shared with support of Josephine's family - View on Tribute Wall
Josephine Bernadette Ronzano Russell, age 86, was called home on March 11, 2018. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents Rosaria Feramisco and Antonio Ronzano, her brother Rocco Anthony Ronzano, her former husband Earl Grady Russell, and one grandchild Richard Snow Russell.
Josephine “Jo” leaves behind her children Dana Steven Russell (Sydnee) of Ivins, Utah; Phyllis Ann Wright (Jim) of Fresno, California; Christopher Earl Russell (Sheila) of San Jose, California; and her sister Betty Swafford of Fresno, California. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Jo was a hard worker throughout her life, working as a waitress to support her children. Josephine served 20 plus years as a waitress for the DiCicco brothers at their restaurant. You would always find Jo serving her church, donating many hours gathering and providing food to the less fortunate. She also loved to be outside tending to her flowers and garden.
She was well known as an exceptional cook, making wonderful Italian dishes of ravioli and her original deep dish breaded pizza. One cannot forget her mounds of homemade Christmas cookies! Her oldest son remembers how he enjoyed her delicious pumpkin pie only to find out years later that she had used sweet potatoes instead of pumpkin for the pie. Just thinking about her delicious homemade creations makes one's mouth water.
Jo was devoted to her family and loved seeing them when they would come to visit. She radiated strength and was known for her direct, straightforward approach to life. She had a forgiving heart and lived her life with humility and kindness. Jo will truly be remembered for her Christlike love and service to others.
Visitation for Josephine Bernadette Ronzano Russell will be March 21, 2018 from 9:00 am to 10:00am, with the Funeral Service immediately following at 10:00am on that same day at Our Lady of Victory Church in Fresno, California. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Fresno.
Services
Visitation
Wednesday March 21, 2018 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church 2838 North West Avenue Fresno, CA 93705
Visitation
Wednesday March 21, 2018 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church 2838 North West Avenue Fresno, CA 93705
Funeral Mass
Wednesday March 21, 2018 10:00 AM Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church 2838 North West Avenue Fresno, CA 93705
Service
Wednesday March 21, 2018 10:00 AM Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church 2838 North West Avenue Fresno, CA 93705
Interment
Wednesday March 21, 2018 11:00 AM Holy Cross Cemetery
Fresno, CA 93706
Cemetery
Holy Cross Cemetery 2105 W. Belmont Fresno, CA 93728
Donations
Catholic Charities 149 North Fulton, Fresno CA 93701