Josephine Sethi

Josephine Caruso Sethi passed away in Los Angeles, California at the age of 66, after a long-standing fight against metastatic breast cancer. Josie was born in South Bend, Indiana to her parents Dr. Saverio and Margaret Caruso, and was the oldest of five children. She graduated Central Catholic High School in Canton, Ohio, and earned her bachelor's degree from Marquette University (Class of '77) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In college Josie studied broadcasting, while working as a talent booker on Dialing for Dollars, for Milwaukee Channel 12, leading to her first career as a pioneering producer in the talk radio industry.

At Marquette, Josie met her husband Tony, with whom she was married for 41 years. Over the years, they lived in many places and homes across the country, including Chicago, IL, Dover, MA, Pepper Pike, OH, Lincoln, RI, Sugarland, TX, Novato, CA, and ultimately Los Angeles. While in Dover, Josie continued her pursuit and love of television production, becoming active with the local access tv station, producing various news and educational programs that won several cable awards.

After her initial diagnosis with breast cancer in 2003, and surviving, she sought out ongoing treatment with oncologists at MD Anderson in Houston. It was there she turned her life's work into educating and helping others afflicted. Josie created Pink Crusader, a philanthropic and non-profit alter ego, and authored the book, The Faces Behind Breast Cancer, to spread awareness and raise money for cancer research. With the immense support of her team at MD Anderson, Josie embarked on a successful book tour around the country.

Josie was a lover of music – especially Cher. She loved Broadway, and watching comedies, musicals, and Christmas movies on repeat when the season was upon us. Josie loved to celebrate all the holidays, and was known as a generous and elaborate hostess and party planner. She famously didn't drink alcohol, but loved bourbon milkshakes (figure that one out)! She loved Vegas, but didn't gamble… only slots. Once a year, a box of Godiva chocolates was required as therapy for the soul. Josie was known as the family photographer – "Just one more!", was her signature line as she tried to wrangle the antsy and impatient. She was the ultimate organizer; whether it be a suitcase, closet, or refrigerator, Josie credited her precise packing skills to her "Tetris brain". Josie's memory was astounding. Not only could she recall every family member's birthday on demand, she would put together custom calendars with those birthdays pre-written inside and then send them so we wouldn't forget. She always looked out for those less fortunate than her, and always donated food, money, and her time to charitable causes and people in need. Josie had a loud and infectious laugh, and spread joy to all those around her. She showed her boundless love by caring for people, and if you were in the care of Josie, you knew you were in the best hands.

Josie is survived by her husband, Tony, her son and daughter-in-law, Dalip and Trina, her granddaughter and "lovebug", Remi, her four siblings, Rosie Toscano, Joe Caruso (Rosanne), Mimi Geihsler (Jim), Cindy Miller (David), and her ever-loyal and loving puppy, Marti.

A memorial service celebrating Josie's life will be held Wednesday, June 9th, at 2:30 pm, at the Church of the Recessional, Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA. Josie and her family are eternally grateful for the personal and loving care she received from her doctors, nurses and staff at MD Anderson, UCSF, and Cedars-Sinai. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Josie's honor to the American Cancer Society.