Josephine Lalama

Josephine J. LaLama, age 93, was called to be with her family members in heaven on Friday, September 15, 2017. She was the beloved wife of Anthony for 67 wonderful years. Loving mother of the late Dennis LaLama, Jean (Brian) Garvey, Nancy (Joseph) Pacella. Dear Grandmother of Joseph and Marisa Pacella, and Julia and Anthony Garvey. Dear sister of the late Ralph Pacelli and Anthony Pacelli, and survived by Rosalie Barcellona of New Jersey. Dear sister-in-law to the late Albert and Mary LaLama of Michigan, the late Josephine Angelone of Florida, Rose (Daniel) Rinaldi, Isadore LaLama, and Joseph (Carole) LaLama of Pennsylvania.Her Godmother and Godfather were Jean and James Bevilacqua of Paterson, New Jersey who served as her mentors throughout her life until they passed away. She was a Godmother to Laura Gordon of South Carolina and ToniAnn Pacelli, of North Carolina and Adeline Coleman (LaLama) of Michigan, and Aunt/Great Aunt to many nieces and nephews.Josephine was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. She was the first child born to Rosalina and Antonio Pacelli. She looked after her brothers and sister before and after school while her parents worked. She often helped raise funds for the needy with nuns at the Catholic parish of Our Lady of Pompeii near her home. Josephine took her first job at a soda fountain shop and later, a sewing plant where she helped make suits for men and women. She was always well dressed and wore the latest fashions with beauty and grace. Her favorite pastime was dancing to 40's tunes at the local church hall on Friday nights.Josephine and Anthony met in 1949 when Anthony was stationed at Camp Kilmore in New Jersey during peacetime. At that time, he visited one of her uncles for a family dinner who he knew well in Italy as a young boy. When they met through family, they became interested in each other. Josephine got married on April 15, 1950 to Anthony LaLama at St. Bonaventure's Roman Catholic Church in Paterson, New Jersey. After they were married, Josephine and Anthony traveled to make their home in Michigan. Since she was so close to her family, it broke many hearts to see her leave. She compromised by traveling home each year to visit her family and friends.She was a proud member of St. Veronica Parish. After raising her children, Josephine took a position working as a lunch mom for St. Veronica's Catholic School in Eastpointe, Michigan. She enjoyed watching the children on the playground as well as assisting them with their lunches.Josephine lived her life for her family and her home. She was the first to take a course in CPR for infants at St. Joseph Mercy of Macomb in 1990 when her first grandchild was about to be born. At that time, she was written about in the St. Joseph Mercy of Macomb newsletter.She cooked and baked the most wonderful dishes for her family. This is what made her the happiest. She greeted everyone with a big smile and loved to share her stories with all. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends that loved her.Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rd.) Tuesday, September 19, 2017. Wake from 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm Rosary at 7:00 pm.Funeral Mass will be held on September 20, 2017 at 9:30 AM Instate and 10:00 AM Mass at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 21440 Universal Ave, Eastpointe, MI.Entombment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Josephine Lalama

July 18, 1924 - September 15, 2017