Josephine M. Ognibene

Josephine M. Ognibene, 81, died peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, March 4, 2023 following a courageous battle with leukemia. Born January 25, 1942 in Rockford, daughter of Michael P. and Carmela Frisella LaSala. Graduated from West High School in 1960. On May 13, 1961 she married the love of her life, Joseph B. Ognibene. She was employed by OSF St. Anthony School of Nursing and OSF St. Anthony Medical Center as an ER clerk for over 25 years. Josephine’s main focus in life was taking care of her family. She loved to cook and was always an avid sports fan. St. Anthony of Padua Church and her many church friends were very important to her. She was passionate about all of the activities at the church, including being very instrumental in the St. Joseph’s Altar. She was involved in the Memory Garden there and was also a Eucharistic Minister and active in the Altar and Rosary Society. Josephine was honored to be chosen as the “2022 Woman of the Year” for St. Anthony. She also served on the board of the Sicilian Ladies Club.

Survivors include her sons, Benny (Lynn) Ognibene and Mike (Heidi) Ognibene; daughter, Jodi (Jeff) Theien; grandchildren, Kelly (Brad) Nordquist, Joe (Tammy) Ognibene, Conrad (Kiley) Ognibene, Hayden (James) Smith, Kiley (Trevor) Griseta, Kenzie Theien and Karley Theien; 7 great-grandchidren with 1 more expected in October; nephew, Michael (Leanne) LaSala and niece, Lisa LaSala (Jason Hill). Predeceased by her parents, her husband, Joseph and her brother Frank LaSala.

Josephine’s family would like to express sincere gratitude to Serenity Hospice for the loving care extended to her as well as special thanks to Emma LaSala, Adele LaSala, Mary Kay LaSala, Bernadette McCormick, Linda Dennis, Nardine Sparicino, her special neighbors and her St. Anthony Church family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2023 in St. Anthony of Padua Church. Entombment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to honor Josephine in designated ways. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.