Josephine Smith

Josephine "Josie" Todaro Smith, age 79, of Mantua, and formerly of Glassboro, NJ, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023 after a four-month battle with breast cancer and consequent infections. Josie attended St. Bridget's Elementary School, graduated from Glassboro High School (1961), and earned a degree in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College (1965). She went on to have great success as a Catholic School teacher over her 30-year career, mostly in 7th and 8th grade science, a role she cherished. Josie retired from St. Mary's Elementary School in 2006 after positively influencing hundreds of lives with her love and dedication. Her students still think of her fondly, and many as family.
Family was undeniably the center of Josie's world. Josie leaves a profound legacy in how she fulfilled her most important roles as "Mom" and "Nonna." Nothing was more important to Josie than her daughter, Jennifer Smith-Satterfield, her granddaughter, Jacqueline (Ryan) Evans, grandson, Barry "Robbie" Satterfield, and new great-grandson, Leo. She never ceased bragging about them to anyone who would listen, and all her decisions revolved around their best interests. As a single Mom since 1977, Josie always put Jennifer first, and then later her cherished grandchildren. She was the best Nonna out there, modeling the relationship between her own mother, Agnes, and her daughter, Jennifer.
Her daughter and grandchildren were the highlights of all her favorite memories: sleepovers at Nonna's; cooking meatballs, cutlets, and other family specialties all together; baking Italian Easter bread; sharing zucchini pie with Jacquie; and Wednesday night crab leg dinners with Barry. Up until her illness, she still spent most Sundays in the kitchen cooking with Jennifer preparing meals for the week and baking her favorite blueberry muffins. Italian family dinners were so important to Josie, she always made sure everyone was fed and content.
Even until a month before her death, she and her treasured sister, Mary, headed to the Glassboro VFW every Thursday morning for bingo. Everyone knew not to interfere with the sisters' bingo day. Along with weekly bingo, Josie enjoyed many hobbies. Of course, there were her Phillies. She never missed a game. She enjoyed talking to her sister during and after the games, as well as antagonizing grandson-in-law Ryan over their MLB rivalry. She was also an avid reader, a huge tennis fan (Go Roger Federer!), and never missed an episode of Jeopardy (during which she still competed closely with the contestants).
Josie is predeceased by her loving parents Charles and Agnes Todaro and her big brothers, Nate, Sam, and Joe Todaro. In addition to Jennifer, Jacquie (Ryan), Barry, and Leo, she is survived by her forever best friend and sister, Mary Todaro Laspata; her dear sisters-in-law, Carole, Amy, and Mary Todaro; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Josie's family is comforted knowing that she is now reunited with her loving parents, big brothers, and aunts and uncle as they eat macaroni, play cards, and celebrate the Phillies' latest run for the World Series!
Family and friends are invited to visit from 9:30am to 10:45am on Saturday, November 4, 2023 with Mass at 11:00am at St. Bridget's Church, 125 Church St., Glassboro, NJ. Burial to immediately follow at St. Bridget's Cemetery. Everyone is encouraged to celebrate Josie's life and the love she openly gave to all she encountered. Please consider wearing her favorite color, purple, or, of course, any Phillies gear!
In lieu of flowers, an expression of sympathy can be made to our Kenya sister Josephine's Rusinga Friends Spotlight Academy to purchase classroom Science materials. Contributions can be payable directly to Jennifer Satterfield, c/o Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ 08051.