Josefina Vergara "Josie" Bandelaria

1937 - 2025

Josefina "Josie" Vergara Bandelaria

March 2, 1937 - October 30, 2025

Josefina "Josie" Bandelaria, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and close friends. She was born on March 2, 1937, in Lipa, Batangas, Philippines, to the late Dr. Jose Vergara and Concepcion Cornejo Vergara.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Reynaldo, Arturo, and Francisco Vergara. She is survived by her devoted siblings, Flor de Liz Daza and Manuel Vergara.

Josie shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with her loving husband, Napoleon "Noli" Bandelaria. They were married on July 12, 1964, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Quezon City, Philippines. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, faith, and family.

She is survived by her children, Joseph "Richard" (Carol) and Rebecca "Becky" (Matthew Mueller); and was the proud "Lola" of Jacob, Daniel, and Rachel. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear lifelong friends who will cherish her memory forever.

Josie graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a bachelor's degree in Education. In the Philippines, she taught English at Quiapo Parochial School and Ramon Magsaysay High School, where she was deeply respected by her students and colleagues. After immigrating to the United States in February, 1967, Josie continued her dedication to education by teaching English for Toledo Public Schools part time before transitioning to a career at SSOE Group in the accounting and payroll department. She worked there faithfully for 28 years until her retirement.

Josie was a woman of many gifts and passions. She enjoyed playing the piano, ballroom dancing, playing mahjong, and spending time with her family and friends. One of her greatest joys in life was sharing her love through food. She had a deep appreciation for good meals and found immense happiness in cooking for others. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aroma of her delicious dishes. No one ever left her home with an empty stomach-or an empty heart.

Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Whether she was making their favorite meals, magically removing stains from their clothes, or offering her patient ear and wise advice, she gave her love freely and without hesitation.

Josie will be remembered for her extraordinary kindness, patience, and selflessness. She had a beautiful gift for seeing the good in everyone and made those around her feel valued and loved. Her smile, gratitude, and unwavering thoughtfulness left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

A devoted Catholic, Josie's faith was the foundation of her life. She was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Parish, Toledo, Ohio, and her days were guided by prayer, compassion, and service to others. Her faith sustained her through every joy and challenge, and she instilled in her family a deep love for God and the Church.

Josie and Noli shared a love of travel, exploring the world together and with family and friends. They enjoyed over 35 cruises and visited destinations across Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. Some of her favorite places included Greece, Barcelona, and St. Petersburg, where she delighted in the beauty of new cultures and experiences.

Josie lived a full and generous life - one rooted in faith, family, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, gratitude, and joy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 6149 Hill Ave, Toledo, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Toledo, Ohio, or SCORE (Special Commission on Relief and Education).

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