Josephine Pearson

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Mrs. Josephine (Bonanno) Pearson, 88, of Hollywood, Fla., passed away on Saturday, May 9. Born in Dorchester on April 28, 1932, Jo was the daughter of the late Paul and Antonina (Sciaba) Bonanno and wife of the late Ralph G. Pearson of Lynn. The eldest of four sisters, she was part of a very tight-knit Italian family including several aunts, uncles and cousins. She attended the Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester but graduated from Lynn English High in 1949 after her family moved to Nahant. Jo also attended Forsyth Dental School, graduating as a dental hygienist. She worked for Dr. Sumner Willens in Lynn for more than 30 years before retiring to Hollywood, Fla., in 1986 with her husband, Ralph. Jo was an avid reader and enjoyed meeting monthly with her book club. She was treasurer of the Sinawik Club of Hollywood, an organization that raised money for scholarships awarded to local high school students, for a number of years. She also enjoyed golfing, dancing, gardening, crafting and playing cards. She was not renowned for her poker face as she had a telltale smirk when she was holding a good hand. She was well-loved by all who knew her and was considered a good and faithful friend by many. She dedicated her life to her family and friends and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She leaves behind her son Karl Pearson and his wife Stephanie of Palm Harbor, Fla.; her daughter Karen (Pearson) Emmith and her husband Mark of Byfield; her grandchildren Chase, Haley and Cole Pearson of Palm Harbor, Fla.; John Rose and his wife Jamie and great-granddaughter Abby of Norwood, Jason Rose and his wife Lisa of Southborough; her sister Pauline Howarth and William Savino of Hallandale Beach, Fla., her sister Ann Trentsch and husband Lee Trentsch of Nahant, and her sister Carol Sedlier of Nahant; and several nieces and nephews. She will also be greatly missed by her former son-in-law Richard Rose of Middleton. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.