Josephine B. Lesandrini

Josephine was born Dec. 22, 1922, in Iron River, daughter of the late Marino and Mary (Mariucci) Pieragostini. She attended school in Homer and Iron River.

Josephine married Joseph A. Lesandrini in 1940. He preceded her in death in 2007. During World War II, Josephine worked in a defense plant in Detroit. She was an active member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Crystal Falls and the Tufts Rondon VFW Auxiliary. Josephine was involved in the community, assisted Geri Albiero with the Appalachian Kentucky clothing project for many years and was the Crystal Falls 1980 Centennial Woman of the Year.

She enjoyed sewing, crafts, reading, gardening, cooking and baking. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events.

She is survived by three children, Marcie (Richard) Niemi, Todd (Kim) Lesandrini and Tom (Lisa) Lesandrini; eight grandchildren, Michelle (Robert) Prange, Scott (Michelle) Niemi, Brian Niemi (Jennifer), David (Jessica) Lesandrini, Alicia (Robert) Boussum, Kaylee Lesandrini, Kathryn Lesandrini and Joseph (Brianna) Lesandrini; 13 great grandchildren, Sarah Niemi dePaiva (Dr. Felipe), Nicholas (Elle) Niemi, Samuel (Tara) Niemi, Jamison and Haiden Donovan, Elli Jo Lesandrini, Autumn, Noa and Briar Lesandrini, Bristol, Berklee and Austin Boussum and Theo Stachowicz; and one great-great-grandchild, Cameron John Niemi; a sister, Florence (Ellsworth) Bengry; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Josephine was also preceded in death by a son, Gerald Lesandrini; a brother, Cal (Betty) Pieragostini; and three sisters, Dena (Nello) Tarsi, Mema (Andy) Bray and Julia (Tony) Augugliaro.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. The funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. on Friday at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Crystal Falls. Fr. Daniel Dapaah will offer the Mass of Christian Burial.

Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in the spring.

The family is very grateful for the excellent, loving care given to our mother at I.C.M.C.F.

A special thank you to the Lilac Lane staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Guardian Angels Church Food Pantry.

Condolences to the family of Josephine Lesandrini may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.