Josephine Lucille Mancini Lonero

Josephine Lucille Mancini Lonero entered into eternal peace on Friday, April 26, 2013. She made the absolute most of each of her almost 95 years & was the loving mother of Leila Lonero Haydel (Marvin). Mamouche loved her grandchildren, Jeremy Paul Haydel & Jessica Haydel Hawkins (Ben). She is preceded in death by her husband of over 40 years, Peter "Pedu" Lonero, who had two sons, Joseph (Carol) & the late Robert "Bobby" Lonero. Also preceding her in death are her parents, Vincent James & Josephine Vitullo Mancini, as well as 5 siblings: Rose Dodge (Clarence), Vincent Mancini (Pauline), Louise Monaco (Frank), Egean Atkins (Frank) & Albert. She is survived by sisters-in-law Rita Lonero Ferrara & Cathy Mancini Haun. Auntie Jo will be missed by a host of nieces & nephews from Ohio to Minnesota & Utah, California, Georgia & Carolina. Born in Wooster, Ohio, Jo lived most of her life in New Orleans after coming south to help her younger brother Albert who had taken ill while working on the rigs. With no snow and enamored by Pedu, the South became her permanent home for the rest of her 94.8 years. While living in Gentilly, she & Pedu joyously welcomed their only child, Leila Ann. Soon thereafter, Jo began a late career of 20+ years with D. H. Holmes after Peter sold Pedu's Cocktail Lounge due to health issues. Once she moved to Mandeville in 1996 after Pedu's death, she spanned a 'retirement' career going to the gym, dancing, keeping up with Jeremy & Jessica & enjoying church activities at Mary, Queen of Peace. Having come to love the unique cuisines of New Orleans, she enjoyed cooking, but eating was truly her favorite pastime & she savored that until her very last days. Jo was kind & easy to love, with a sweet smile & tender-hearted nature. Her strong will & determination were signs of an independence she developed at a very young age. For over two years, Momma Jo was compassionately guided through to her last moments by her dedicated caregiver Latricia. Special thanks to Latricia's family, Kelsey, Kylie, Shane & Jeff, who treasured having an adopted grandmother during that time. With additional care from Lakeshore Hospice during her final 6 months of life, Momma was comfortable & meticulously managed on every level, thanks to devoted care from Linda, Lisa & Dionne. On Wednesday, May 1, we will celebrate Jo's life by welcoming relatives & friends of the family at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA, 70124. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow Mass at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd. Although Jo loved flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation, Mary Queen of Peace Peacemakers Youth Group in Mandeville or the New Orleans chapter of Habitat for Humanity would be better served.