Josephine Vigini, 102, of Effort, passed away Thursday, March 15, in Brookmont Healthcare Center.

She was the wife of the late Joseph Vigini.

Born in Pittston, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Bellanca and the late Frances (Spinelli) Bellanca.

Josephine was an amazing woman with steely determination softened by a gentle kindness towards all humans and God's creatures, especially her beloved felines. She was a bit introverted, a talented homemaker, cook, seamstress, and decorator. She could spend hours preparing her home, organizing closets, and drawers, and rearranging furniture, and doing so well into her 90's. If you were fortunate enough to be a visitor, she would welcome you with open arms, whipping up a fabulous meal and making you feel like the most important person on Earth. She loved her husband, Joe, in one of the most devoted displays of affection. Her world revolved around him, and she greatly missed him when he passed. Josephine never had an unkind word to say about anyone. She was truly an angel. Even her caretakers adored her. She was feisty, as physically strong as someone considerably younger, and full of life. Her smile lit up a room, as well as the hearts of those lucky enough to be in her presence. Unfortunately, for the planet, she never had children, but had many nieces and nephews to spoil. And spoil she did, with her kinds words, praises, accolades, and always some trinket or piece of candy. She provided unwavering support for her large family, as one of the older siblings, and all looked up to her.

Josephine was always an extremely hard worker, helping to support her family at a very young age. She had to drop out of school when her father passed, and helped not only by working, but also by helping to care for younger siblings while her mother worked relentlessly to keep food on the table. AS a very young woman, Josephine worked at Woolworth's in NYC as a makeup artist. She then gravitated to the millinery business where she designed and made hats for several years. She was also a talented seamstress. In her later years, she worked for the Metropolitan Insurance Company as an Administrative Assistant.

Josephine will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and will never be forgotten.

She is survived by a sister, Kathy DiIorio, and was predeceased by four other siblings, two sisters, Sara and Mary, and two brothers, Stephen and Salvatore. She is also survived by five nieces, four nephews, many great-nieces and great nephews, as well as several great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two first cousins, Francine DiScala and Sarah Lyons, both of Florida. Her second cousin, Jim Dellaria and his wife, Teri, of Delaware Water Gap, became extremely close to Josephine, visiting frequently, helping her whenever she needed it, and keeping vigil at the end when she passed. Words cannot describe the gratitude she and the rest of her family have for this wonderful couple. She was also very close with her neighbor, Susan Healy. Susan became like a daughter to Josephine over the years, visiting with her, shopping for her, and offering her affection and devotion. Susan also kept vigil during Josephine's last days and is considered an angel by Josephine's family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 23 at 11:30 AM from the Kresge Funeral Home, 1763 Route 209, Brodheadsville with Rev. Michael Quinnan officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 23 at 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be in Buena Vista Cemetery, Brodheadsville.

www.kresgefuneralhome.com

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