Josephine T. Mandera

JOSEPHINE T. MANDERA, 92

ROCKFORD - Josephine T. Mandera, 92, of Rockford, passed away July 19, 2014 at Wesley Willows Hunt Terrace. She was born December 24, 1921 in Streator, Illinois the daughter to Ross and Catherine (Cusimano) Minneci. She married Frank P. Mandera on June 28, 1947. Josephine was a devoted wife and caregiver to her grandchildren. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking. Sundays were special days for her family with "pasta Sunday's "at grandma's house. She worked as a nurse's aide for the Americana Nursing Home. She was a founding member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Survivors include daughters, Frances Watson and Catherine (Thomas) Hudson; grandchildren, Mark Carey, Tina (Dr. Michelle Rotert) Ingram, Christopher (Stacie) Hudson and Amy (Adam) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Taylor Pilbin, Logan and Emerson Carey, Franchesca and Madeline Ingram, Katelyn and Kylie Hudson, Asher and Rowyn Johnson; sister-in-law, Josephine Liston; nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband, Frank Mandera; son-in-law, Leslie Watson; three sisters, and one brother. A special thanks to the Hunt Terrace nurses, activities, and dietary staff and especially her CNA's for the loving care they gave "Momma Jo." Also, a heartfelt thank you to the VNA hospice nurses Julie, Amy, Molly and Madelyn.

The service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 24 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel and Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Memorials may be sent to the family. Arrangements made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel. 3910 North Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL. 61103.