Josephine Marinelli

Josephine Marinelli of Sierra Madre and Arcadia, California passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the age of 97. She was surrounded by her sons George and Joe, and their wives, Sandy and Jean. Josephine was born in 1928 in Connecticut, the eldest of four. She was preceded in death by siblings Rosalie, Marilyn and Peter. Josephine and George Marinelli married on April 19, 1952, and together they raised two sons, George and Joe, and later welcomed their wives, Sandy and Jean. Then came grandchildren Jessica, Daniel, Vincent and David, and finally great granddaughter Kaia, born to Jessica and her husband Alex. Many people loved Josephine because of her big heart and her ability to listen without judgment. If someone she knew seemed stressed, it could all be solved with a glass of wine, some of her excellent cooking, and talking the problem through. Guests would always leave more relaxed than when they arrived. Josephine was a skilled secretary. Wherever she worked she was always the fastest typist. Before the internet, there was a machine called the Telex, and only the most trusted typists were allowed to use it to transmit overseas – Josephine was always chosen. While Josephine was a hard worker in the office, her family was most important. She took great pride in being a wife and a mother. She had so much energy for her family it didn’t seem like she had another job. She made the family breakfast every morning, prepared and packed their lunches, and then after work would cook a dinner that most would be lucky to have on weekends. Her Sunday family dinners were the highlight of the week. Standard fare included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, main course, dessert, fresh flowers and music. After her husband George died in2000, hosting was shared between Josephine and her two sons. She was still an occasional host until the age of 87. And the Sunday tradition continues at the homes of her sons. She rarely missed this opportunity to be with her two boys, their wives and her grandchildren, even attending when it became physically difficult. There are many adjectives that describe her: thoughtful, caring, compassionate, giving, attentive, soothing, happy, but one above all describes her – Loving. She will be greatly missed, but the Love that she gave will remain and spread through her descendants and all whose hearts she touched. God Bless You, Josephine. “Death is not the end of everything, but the beginning of something….” - Pope Francis