Shrewsbury – Josephine “Jo” (D’Errico) Notarangelo, 98, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Worcester, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, after a period of declining health, surrounded by her loving family.
Jo was born Sept. 30, 1919 and raised in Worcester, the eldest daughter of eight children, of Italian immigrants Peter and Lucia (d’Errico) D’Errico. She attended Worcester Girls Trade High School. Shortly after, she after met and married her devoted husband, John A. Notarangelo, and for the next 47 years lived in love, with family and dedication in the Lake View section of Worcester until 1993 when John passed away. Jo continued to live in the family home until 2006, moving to Shrewsbury to live with her daughter, Nancy.
Through the years, Josephine worked at the family-owned, D’Errico’s Market. She was also a buyer for the former John C. McGinnis Department store, located in downtown Worcester.
Josephine is survived by her three children, Nancy A. Quintela and her husband Manuel of Shrewsbury, with whom she resided, and her two sons, John P. Notarangelo and his wife Rosemary of East Longmeadow and Lawrence A. Notarangelo and his wife Marissa of Wilmington, N.C. Josephine was also the proud grandmother of John, Alex, David and his wife Leighann, Laura, Peter, and Susan and her husband Mike, as well as two great-grandchildren, Jerry and Jack. She is also survived by her sister, Eleanor Dell’Olio and her husband Andrew of Shrewsbury, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Besides her husband, John, Josephine was predeceased by her sisters, Angela Evangelista and Anne Saucier, as well as brother Julio, Louis, Thomas and Carmen D’Errico.
Josephine was the family matriarch, always ready to help and lead her family. Her family whom she loved dearly, always came first. She enjoyed entertaining family, friends and anyone who entered her home. Her most cherished moments were those when her family was around her. Loved by all, those times will be affectionately remembered and sorely missed. Jo will forever be remembered as a remarkable and caring woman. Currently, she was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and the former St. Margaret Mary Church, where she was a member of the Women’s Guild as well as the Catholic Daughters of America.
Friends and relatives are invited to honor Josephine’s life Thursday, Dec. 21, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, before departing in procession to St Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. Burial next to John will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, or the St. Anne’s Human Services, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury.
Josephine’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Linda, who cared for her as if she were her own mother, as well as the entire VNA Hospice Staff for the care, comfort and compassion they provided to during this difficult time. Their kindness will always be remembered.
To share a special memory of Josephine or send your condolences to the family, please visit her memorial at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
