Josephine "Josie" Hermida, 89, of Altoona, Wisconsin, formerly New Brunswick, New Jersey, died at home with her loved ones on July 29, 2022, after a short illness.
Josephine was born to Ramon and Pia Abundia (Gonzales) Valdez on March 19, 1933, in Havana, Cuba. She was second youngest of seven siblings. She recounted many fond memories of her time with her family growing up, as well as the time she spent living with her aunt. In 1952, Josephine married Alfredo C. Hermida, and they immigrated to the United States for a better life for their future children. Josephine cherished being a U.S. citizen, and would often say how one of her happiest days in life was when she received her citizenship. After moving to Milltown, New Jersey and having difficulty finding housing, one kind woman opened her home to Josephine, Alfredo, and their young daughter Diana. This act of kindness would grow to be a legacy of Josephine's, as she always looked for ways to pay this kindness forward to others. In fact, Josephine and her husband were instrumental in sponsoring many families, helping them emigrate from Cuba to escape during turbulent times.
Josephine was fiercely determined with a strong work ethic. She was the first woman to be hired at Algro Knitting Mills Textile Factory in the 1970s, famously telling the hiring manager, "Give me two weeks, and if I can't do the job, you can fire me!" After her performance outshined her male colleagues, it opened the door, and they began to hire more women. She was a strong and confident woman, making sure to impart those same qualities in her three daughters, teaching them you could attain anything you want if you worked hard enough and believed in yourself.
Josephine family was her world and loved time spent with them. She enjoyed traveling, dining with family and friends, and shopping. Josie was a "social butterfly". She loved spending time with her friends at social gatherings, potluck, playing bingo and cards at St. John's Apartments in Eau Claire.
Josephine was predeceased in death by her parents and siblings, as well as her husband of 33 years, Alfredo.
Josephine is survived by her three daughters, Diana Staruh, Alexis Hartman (husband Randy) and Cyndie Parker as well as her grandchildren Tony Embrossi (wife Jennifer), Jennifer Parker, Amelia Hartman, Ethan Hartman and several nieces, nephews and their families.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no memorial/funeral services. Rather, we'd like to ask each of you to perform one act of kindness for another, large or small, in memory of Josephine. Flowers and condolences can be sent to 1893 Whistling Straits Dr, Apt. 12, Altoona, WI, 54720.
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