JOSEPHINE LEOS

101 Years Old

Josephine Leos, passed away in her hometown of Los Banos on October 23rd, 2010. She was 101 years old. Josephine enjoyed being very active in many organizations. She was a proud member of the St. Joseph's Church, St. Joseph's Altar Society, Madonna Del Carmine, Sons of Italy, Golden Agers, and the United Ancient Order of Druids. Josephine was past Grand Arch Druidess of Los Banos, Past Grand Arch Druidess of California and Nevada, past President of Los Banos Native Daughters of California, past President of Ladies Auxiliary VFW, and a member of the Show Folks of America.

Josephine (Noni) loved spending time with her family and friends. Noni never knew a stranger and always greeted people with a smile and comforting way that endeared her to all. She especially loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Josephine was a great cook, and it gave her great pleasure to share her meals with friends and family. She loved to travel, and among her favorite places to visit were Italy, Greece and Hawaii. In earlier days, Josephine loved to go to "The City", where as a young woman, she and her two daughters would catch the "Owl" to San Francisco to enjoy their shopping and favorite places to eat. Josephine loved to sing. Even at 101 she would entertain her friends and family in song. Two of her favorite songs to sing were "God Bless America" and "I left my heart in San Francisco". Josephine was a loving and generous person, with a heart of gold. Josephine once said, "If you've got a good life, you want to live it" ...and she certainly did just that !

Josephine is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Marie Chettero from Sapanaro-Grumento Nova, Italy; loving husband, Louis Leos; four borthers: John, Jim Pasqual, and Joseph Chettero; and two sons-in-law, Manuel "Cardy" Cardoza and Bill Hume. Josephine is survived by her two daughters: LaVerne Cardoza of Los Banos, and Sophie Hume of Dos Palos; four grandchildren: Jayne Cesario and husband Chris of Modesto, Sharon Hogan and husband Steve of Los Banos, Louis Cardoza of Los Banos, and Bill Hume and wife Karen of Fresno; six great grandchildren: Anthony and Kristin Cesario of Modesto, Alexis and Lucas Cardoza of Los Banos, and Isabella and Leyton Hume of Fresno; one great great grandson, John Henry DeLeon of Modesto.

Rosary will be held on Thursday, Oct. 28th at 9a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Los Banos Mass will immediately follow the Rosary. Burial will follow at Los Banos Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.