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Josephine Borda Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Borda
Sponsored by Josephine Borda's family.
Mary Lou di Arenzo
May 18, 2005
It's always comforting to read these wonderful memories of Mama Jo.
I can read each entry in the guest book over and over again.
Mary Lou
Jeanmarie Van Der Vijgh-Ronan
March 26, 2005
It was a pleasure knowing you 'Grandma'. I know you are in Heaven with your family and ask your prayers for our peace until we meet again in Heaven.
It was my pleasure having met you through your grand daugher, Lucille
when she was in my class at St. Maria Goretti H.S. and having maintained a friendship these years since that time.Please ask God to bless your family here on earth as well as me!.
Carmen and Carol Mancuso
February 4, 2005
Aunt Josie was such a special lady. I wouldn't be married to my wonderful husband if it wasn't for her. She to it into her hands to care for my father-in-law, Frank Mancuso, when he was born premature. In doing this my father-in-law married an awesome woman, Micky, and had 6 children, one of them being my darling husband, Carmen. We named our 1st born daughter Samantha Josephine Mancuso in honor of Aunt Josie. What a gift she truely was.
Claudia Bordo
January 30, 2005
January 3, 2005
Having my Grandmother
I always felt Blessed....
Now I know It's because
She was simple the Best....
A perfect example of what
a Grandmother should be....
Patient and kind,
Always Loving to me....
She nurtured her Babies,
her Friends and Family....
With Grace and Dignity,
she showed us 'how to be'....
From when I was small....
At Grandmom house,
We always had a ball....
She would make us a "Babydoll"
Just from a wash rag....
Better than any toy
with a big price tag....
The little Yard with the gate,
That let Aunt Connie come to call..
That's after Grandmom
Knocked on the Wall....
And of course, the Cellar!
An adventure for all....
With that old Piano
Up against the Wall....
And the big Kitchen,
With so mucn great food....
Always put everyone
in a good mood....
With her warm smile
And wise words....
She'd send you home
Singing with the Birds....
Grandmom, what a party in Heaven
They must have thrown for you....
With your Husband and Sons's
And your Sister's too....
Now you Soul is Free to Soar....
A slave to your body no more....
Watch over us all,
You're in a much better place....
Pray for us here,
We'll miss seeing your Face....
I love you, Grandmom
Claudia
John Sorrenti
January 26, 2005
Mrs. Borda was truly a delight to talk to. She always had a smile and a welcome for you in her home. At over 100 years of age, as soon as you walked into her house she would stand up and say "what can I make you" She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.
Kristina Candeloro
January 25, 2005
On December 29, 2004 the world and our family lost an amazing women. A women who loved and would do anything for friends and family. Her life was an amazing one in which she talked about when anyone asked her. She was full of pride when talkinag about any of her childrn. My Mama Jo filled me with so many wonderful memories. And because of those memories Mama Jo will always be alive in my heart.
The last memories that I have of Mama Jo was her sitting in St. Monica's knitting, folding anything that she could get her hands on, not wanting to eat the food they had prepared for her (only the jello and ice cream would do), and my father offering her a potato chip and her reaching for the bag with a large smile on her face.
That is how I will always remember my Mama Jo. She was always in the greatest of moods and always willing to feed those who entered her home. In her home I always felt so loved and welcome. In her home is were anyone who sat on her couch would fall right to sleep.
I love my Mama Jo with all of my heart. She was an amazing women and if I can be half the women that she was I will be in great shape.
Amelia Candeloro
January 25, 2005
I wanted to take a moment to say how lucky I was to have know this great woman. Your welcome to her home and heart was always accompanied by an equally warm hug! That hug went right to your heart - where I have all mine stored. I tease Hugo that I only married him because of Momma Jo! She left us a wonderful legacy, one that we must be sure to hand carefully to our children and they to theirs. If you look deep into the childrens' eyes, you'll see her there, smiling back and offering strenghth. Thank you for taking me to your heart too!
Lucille C.
January 24, 2005
History lessons are among the many things I'll miss about my grandmother. I have more questions and she always had the answers and explained them with great clarity. She had a terrifc memory. She remembered every geography and history fact and every prayer, poem and song she was taught. She remembered every religious feastday as well as the birthdays and anniversaries of each friend and relative. The history lessons she taught us were what teachers would give almost anything to bring into their classrooms---a personal narrative of life during major world events.
Her great grandfather, along with his brother, was orphaned and found in the debris of an earthquake which rocked southern Italy in the early 1800's. After being raised by the state, he and his brother married two sisters. His daughter, Carmela, was a midwife. Because she was raised by Carmela, my grandmother would accompany her at all hours of the day and night to deliver babies. She learned to be ready whenever life called. Carmela was strict and insisted that Giuseppina learn to knit---thank you, Carmela. Her other grandmother was a baker and a bee keeper. She wasn't so strict and spoiled her when she visited. I think she got the best of both.
Reluctantly, she left her grandmother for America in 1911 to join parents she didn't know. She never saw her grandmother Carmela again and always missed her. Traveling in steerage across the Atlantic at the age of 11, she snacked on the hard boiled eggs and dried meat her grandmother packed for her. With a good appetite and always resourceful, often she would be served twice in the food line by returning with someone's "borrowed" baby. (She laughed heartily when she shared that memory this summer.) Her experience on Ellis Island, well-documented in her recent magazine interview, gave her the measles and almost cost her parents the family fortune.
Once in America, she went to work in a sewing factory and the Jewish boss, who favored her, hid her from the truant officer by putting her in the the wooden clothes bin and covering her up with material. His son wanted to marry her, but religion got in the way--his mother wouldn't hear of it. Her father spent an overnight in jail for her repeated truancies, but that was in June and by the time school started again, the officials forgot about her.
When she was about 15, Carmine asked permission to marry her several times, but was told that she was too young and he was too poor. Carmine left town and after two years, returned from the West Virginia coal mines with money and jewelry. Her father asked her if she wanted to marry this man. She said that she liked him--he was the older brother of her schoolmate in Italy. After a short, chaperoned courtship they were married. She never knew that he had blue eyes until after the wedding.
Her first child was born during the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918. She recalled whole families dying from it. Bodies were piled into wagons and toe-tagged so that they could be identified in six months when the burials would finally take place. She said that her family survived because they made and drank their own whiskey---right through prohibition.
With seven of her own children, as well as a niece and nephew from Italy at home, she took classes and studied for her citizenship test. She passed with an excellent score and the officials tried to get her to go to school. She told them that she had a family to raise--and that she did. It was the New Deal: two went to college, one to the Olympics, one to nursing school, one foremaned ironworkers building the Pentagon, two engineered copper mines of South America and structures in Greenland, most held (and hold) leadership positions in every organization or union with which they became affiliated.
She buried her husband in 1944 while all four of her sons were at war overseas and her daughters were still in school. He died suddenly and the burial was postponed for a week until the Red Cross brought all four boys home. Italian paisani, Irish, Polish, and Negro co-workers marched from the house to the church behind his coffin and a band.
During the next 60 years, she witnessed science develop exponentially and, for the most part, kept up with it. She received a photo by email of her great-great grandson and replied to him in the same manner. She listened to and understood her family's descriptions of their professions which she couldn't have fathomed while in Calabria. Her life experiences led her from the family donkey, to the family "machine," to the family SUV and to the moon and back.
I'll miss her history lessons. I'll miss her jumping up from the couch while saying, "Ma baby, come in. Let's go into the kitchen," whenever I showed up. I'll miss her steady example.
She absolutely loved life and everyone in it. She never missed an opportunity to help someone. She never judged any of us. She laughed at every opportunity. She had the capacity to make and enjoy new friends. She never declined a party invitation--"if you go, I go." I remember taking her back to the rehab center late at night this past Thanksgiving. "It's late. Everyone's asleep in this place," she said as we went past the front desk. She participated fully in the life she led. She sang and danced with her family on the last day of that life. She always stayed until the party was over . . .
I hope that we remember both her history lessons and the lessons she taught by example.
Ted Rosenberg
January 20, 2005
i figured i would be the only person from my generation to make an entry, but i've been home sick for almost a whole week, and i was forwarded the guest book by my mother, so i figured what the heck.
I didn't really know "Mom Mom Pepina" as well as the rest of you, but i do remember the few lucky times i had visiting her in her lil' ol' south philly home, sitting on the stoupe with my other cousins throwing a ball around (a little game we named "Stoupe Ball." Only a game we played at Pepina's.) 105...what more can you ask from such a wonderful, courageous women.
Lois Bordo-Rosenberg
January 19, 2005
She was Mama Pepina to me and my four sisters. As we grew older we called her "Grandmom". She was the most loving ,as well as intellectual link to our Bordo heritage--people of strong character, charm, love and devotion. I remember when my Dad would take us tovisit her on Warnock St. Hugs and kisses galore. Then came the food smorgasbord--and when my dad came you could be sure there were fried meatballs. They were his favorite. He praised and revered them saying no one could make them better.But i especially remember when Grandmom made us tea and butterthins--a simple treat but most special because they came from her. I feel lucky, blessed and honored to have had such a beautiful woman as my Grandmother.
I
Mary Lou di Arenzo
January 16, 2005
The matriarch of our family died at 105, but in our hearts we always gave her immortality. She will be missed by all of us. We hope that her strength will prevail among those of us who remain. May we continue to be a close family because of her.
Mama Jo adopted my mother, Grace, her neice through marriage. Grace, came to America at the age of 15 only because she was born here. Although Mama Jo had seven children, she loved and nurtured Grace as her very own child.
I lost my mother and father at a young age when parents are most important in your life to provide the guidance so one does not stray.
Mama Jo took me under wing and provided the courage and persistance necessary to become what I am today. She never abandoned me. I will be forever thankful and appreciative of her love and support.
As a mother, I have shared my times with Mama Jo with my son Nicky. Those stories contain life long lessons that have guided him, also.
I will always cherish the hundreds of times we sat together in her kitchen and shared the stories about the friends who visited her every day. They came from San Mauro Marchesato, Italia, and formed a close knit community in Mama Jo's neighborhood.
Even after many of them passed, we laughed together about their distinct character traits and kept their memories alive in our own special way.
I think that's what Mama Jo loved about me so much. Since all of her friends died so long ago, I became her closest connection with her "girlfriends" from Italy.
I spent the first 18 years of my life at her house. She was by babysitter. Her children were grown and had left to fulfill their calling in life. Therefore, I had Mama Jo for myself. During our "special moments," she gave me a positive outlook and the strength I needed to bear the obstacles that sometimes confront you in life when you least expect them.
Mary Lou Mancuso di Arenzo 2005
Jane Imber [Rhona's sister]
January 15, 2005
Here what I remember. The facts may not be completely accurate, but the admiration is genuine.
I only knew her as Mommy-Jo she was already old when I met her. She was as small as a sparrow, like you could pick her up and put her in your pocket, but she had heart of an eagle. She didn't dwell on the past, but she would answer my questions with honesty and humor. All our conversations took place around a table in her pin neat kitchen with light streaming in from her well-tended guarden.
She came to this country from Italy when she was barely into her teens. She lived in the same South Phily townhouse her whole life. The streets in front of her house were narrow, built to accommodate horse-drawn carriages. The narrow alley in back was where she remembered bodies being taken out daily on wooden carts during the great flu epidemic.
Some people thought Mpmmy-Jo knew old-world magic and could cast an evil eye or cure one. She told me she mixed herbs in a pot and boiled them, "Does that work"? I asked her.
"No", she said "People believe stupid things, but I let them. They feel better.
She did loundry every day and took it outside to dry. That was her exercise. Stooping to lift the wet clothes and stretching to hang it on the line.
On election day, the local republicans came to her house to drive her to the polls. "Is that because you voted republican?" I asked, "if they want to give me a ride, fine, but when I get behind the curtain, I do what I want".
You couldn't visit Mommy-Jo without having a cup of tea and something to eat. She woud feel like a bad hostess if you diden't eat something. So in honor of Mommy-Jo, eat something, preferably Italian, and remember that we once shared this world with someone very specal.
MaryLou Mancuso DiArenzo
January 14, 2005
Eulogy Delivered on January 3,2005
Good Morning to the Family and Friends of Mama Jo:
Let me take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to our family, especially Mama Jo’s grandchildren, for the distinct honor of reflecting upon her life in this beautiful Epiphany of Our Lord Church.
In her lifetime, she saw seven generations on two continents. She was raised by a grandmother in Calabria. She had seven children in America. Louis and Ray presented her with the first grandchild, Monica, Lois presented her with the first grandchild, Jason and Monica presented her with the first great grandchild, Dominic.
Today, the Borda Family pays tribute and reverence to Mama Jo, who exemplified a simple, but extraordinary life expanding nearly 105 (or 106) years. We knew her as a gracious wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who stayed in charge of her attitude and believed in God’s presence. Her happiness consisted of solid faith, good health and a bad memory of our shortcomings.
An angel came in the night, she closed her eyes, and her guardian angel gave her wings to fly away from this earth, but part of her life lives within you.
Close your eyes for a moment and cling to the memory you hold most dear about Mama Jo. Mama Jo’s signature in our lives makes us unique.
PLEASE REMEMBER ALONG WITH ME!
The stories of her childhood in San Mauro, the voyage to America at the age of eleven, the unselfish love and devotion to Carmine, her husband and the seven amazing children she bore.
REMEMBER
The darkness of rain and how you shared a troubled heart with Mama Jo and words of wisdom flowed in a musical Italian accent without hesitation, “ Fidache, you fight, you are strong! She gave you time, space, grace and her powerful force of gentle strength.
REMEMBER
The kitchen where the culinary aroma of meatballs, broccoli rabe and tardidi not only addressed your hunger pangs but warmed your heart with the familiar phrase she echoed, mangia!
REMEMBER
The bitter, cold days of December you savored the piete con oglio, tardidi and pasta compotata. She coordinated bags of these Christmas delights and made sure every paisano received a package.
REMEMBER
The cellar and the not so melodious sounds you pounded on the piano and she yelled from the cellar door, “You play like a concert pianist.
REMEMBER
The paisani who banged on her door at all hours of the day to have Mama Jo read or write letters to their loved ones back in San Mauro.
REMEMBER
The day you presented your future husband or wife to meet Mama Jo. She extended her strong hand, and placed it on your shoulder, smiled and whispered, “Love each other, it’s no good to be alone.”
REMEMBER
The stream of family and friends who settled in her kitchen to engage in a tapestry of rich conversations filled with life long lessons.
REMEMBER
The sweater she knitted for you, a gesture of her love that yields unimaginable rewards such as: (gentle strength, inner peace, wisdom, perseverance, courage, grace, inspiration, calmness, patience, intelligence)
I spent everyday of my first thirty years at Mama Jo’s. These one liners are my recollections of a gentle woman who allowed me to call her mama Jo, only to be reserved for the Candeloro grandchildren.
-A beautiful young woman with red high heels plating her hair in front of the mirror
-Banging on the wall for Aunt Connie
-Clara coming to clean on Thursdays with Joseph
-Joseph coming home from the hospital as a newborn
-Rose and her lively, energetic children
-Mama Jo and Aunt Franny visits to Mayfair and 20th Street
-Pennies in a glass for Mary Lou
-Meatball on the stove for Mary Lou’s meatball sandwiches
-Mama Jo celebrating her hundreth birthday and dancing the tarantella
-Sunday mornings at Aunt Franny’s eating New York Bakery Pizza, fried meatballs, and homemade baked cake
-Mama Jo’s face when her sister Mary stopped by in her jazzy outfits
-Borda granddaughters visit adorned in Ray’s originals
-And her son Louis, always in charge, and protective of his mother
-Welcoming two teenagers Grace and Louis into her family even though she had seven children
-Her girl friends: Bettina, Salette, Mary Bello, Ageluzz, Esther
-Her extended family: the Frederico’s next door
-Loretta and Vince living with her for 8 years
-Moore Street Family-Beautiful Aunt Esther and Handsome Uncle Genardo
-Big Grandma Ursulina standing guard on Warnock Street
-John the Milkman, Sammy the Breadman, Tucci, Burgio-her vendors
-Visits and chats with 20th Street Neighbors
-Shopping at Penn Fruit for the Christmas baking
-Vacations-Sea Isle City
-John Rocco, her cousin, friend and doctor for over 60 years
-Flying to Florida at age 99
-Magazine Interview at 104
-Sunday Phone Calls with Pat and Clara
Bringing your new baby Mama Jo
-Naps on the “couch” for only Mary Lou and Joann who studied hard
-The picture on the wall of Mama Jo and her husband Carmen
We cannot forget Peppy and his unselfish and devoted love to Mama Jo!
And of course the unceasing devotion of Celia, Hugo and all of their children, and especially Carl, who visited Mama Jo every day for all of us. Carl was the last one in the family she set her eyes upon. Mama Jo and Carl had a conversation 20 minutes prior to her death. Christian just celebrated his birthday and Mama Jo directed Carl to give him a gift from her.
As a family, may we be challenged to wipe away our tears and to keep in mind the extraordinary legacy and spirit she left us that transcends her death. These were issues of the heart.
Mama Jo lived life her life filled with purpose. Money, fame and power never distracted her. God and family were the center of her life. She never missed a moment to extend her good character, spiritual understanding, passionate patience, warm friendliness and generous love to us.
She loved music! Josh Groban sings a beautiful song and the lyrics of this song befit Mama Jo:
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up… to more than I can be.
Diane Mancuso Laskowski
January 10, 2005
My Aunt Josie was the head of our family. When I was growing up, my dad made sure his children never smoked a cigarette in front of her and when we arrived at a family gathering, we were told to always go and greet her first. And when I was a little girl and visited her at her house, she always found something in her kitchen to feed us. My Aunt Connie would come over and we would laugh and eat. And when I went to kiss them goodbye, they would secretly slip a dollar into my hand. When my dad was born prematurely, the doctors told my grandmother that he was going to die. Since she was too sick to take him home, my Aunt Josie took him home and nursed him to health. She told me he was so small, she held him in the palms of her hands and bathed him in her kitchen sink. I think me and my brothers and sister and our children may not be here if it wasn't for her. She was an inspiration to all of us, taught us how to love and I will never forget her.
Dottie Evangelista
January 8, 2005
Mommy Jo has been part of my life since I met Lucille again in 1976 when we taughr at Mt. Carmel together (we also graduated from Gwynedd Mercy together in 1973). Mommy Jo and the Candleoro family adopted me as part of their family ... Mommy Jo's gentleness, hospitality, and love have embraced me and my whole family. I had the privilege of visitng Mommy Jo 2X during her stay at St. Monica's - the last time was on my birthday (12/16) Her words to me on that day I will never forget. I knew that she was very close to God and I treasured every word she spoke.
I will always treasure every moment spent with Mommy Jo - her kitchen will hold a very special memory in my heart - for this was the heart of her home that she always shared so generously ..
Thank you. Mommy Jo, for all the love and wisdom you have shared with me.
Love, Dottie
Bebe Hickey
January 7, 2005
I will truly miss Mommie Jo. Lucille, her grandaugter has been my best friend for 36 years so that's how long I knew Mommie Jo. I was fortunate to be able to visit with her two weeks before her death and my fondest memory of that visit is her trying to teach me how to knit. I was all thumbs and she was very patient. We chatted for awhile mostly about food since that was one of her favorite subjects.
She will be missed and I want her family to know that she was one of the most special people I ever met in my life.
Bebe
Brenda Gissy
January 6, 2005
I will always remember grandma pepina and her cute little house. I especially recall when I stayed at grandmoms while my parents were away in Italy and she would put wine in my seven-up! I will never forget when my sister and I would leave for school, she would not go into the house until we were out of sight. We would turn at the corner and see my grandmother waving goodbye. I will miss her dearly.
Mary Robinson
January 5, 2005
We knew her only through the wonderful stories told to us by her granddaughter Lucille. We wish we had been blessed to know her personally. We send our condolences to you all.
Suzanne Papale-Arcure
January 4, 2005
Fond memories of Aunt Josephine. May God keep her in His Care. Deepest sympathy to the family. Love Suzanne Papale Arcure
joe pinto
January 3, 2005
what a great life i'll always remember her
joe pinto
PEG MILLER
January 2, 2005
TO THE FAMILY OF "AUNT JOSIE": PLEASE KNOW THAT "AUNT JOSIE" IS IN THE ARMS OF OUR LORD. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE FOR ALL OF THE JOY THAT SHE GAVE TO YOUR FAMILY. OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY HERE AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Lori Engel (Mancuso)
January 1, 2005
Aunt Josie was an incredible lady and will be missed. We are blessed to have had her in our lives. I'm sure she's partying right now with her sisters.
My love and prayers to the whole family.
Camille Mancuso
January 1, 2005
Josephine Borda was my beloved "Aunt Josie." She nurtured me, bathed me as an infant, and was our wonderful family's matriarch. She was more than just an "aunt" -- she was a mentor and will definitely be sadly missed....by all of us.
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