Josephine E. Berthiaume "Josie" Beressi

EAST FALMOUTH — Josephine E. "Josie" (Simanskas) Berthiaume Beressi, of East Falmouth, formerly of Auburn, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, after a lengthy illness.

Her husbands, Raymond E. Berthiaume and Howard D. Beressi, both predeceased her.

Josephine was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Nastor) Simanskas.

She is survived by two sons, Joseph S. Beressi of East Falmouth, and Raymond Berthiaume of Rochdale; two daughters, Theresa M. Coakley and her husband James Coakley of Sterling, and Nancy Monroe of Worcester; a stepson, Howard J. Beressi and his wife Jan of Holden; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her daughter, Carol A. Koza, and a brother, Alban Simanskas.

Ms. Beressi was a longtime parishioner of St. Casimir Church and St. Patrick's Church. She was a member of the St. Casimir's Church Mother's Guild, where she received a certificate of gratitude for her countless years of service.

She enjoyed cooking, painting, but most of all she enjoyed being with her family. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Josie's visiting hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, in the funeral home. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with Mass of Christian burial, at 10 a.m., in St. Casimir Church, 41 Providence St., Worcester. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.

Flowers are welcomed or memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor Brookline, MA 02445-7226, ATTN: Contribution Services.

To share your thoughts and memories of Josie, please visit her personal guest book at: www.mercadantefuneral.com.