Josie Marino Ortolano

Queen of the SnoBall is Gone Josie Marino Ortolano, 103 years old, born November 17, 1910 in Franklin LA, passed November 20, 2013 in Metairie, LA. Josie claimed to be "a one-man's woman," married to George J. Ortolano for 66 years until his death in 1997. In 1936 George invented and manufactured the SnoWizard SnoBall machine, but Josie built the business and supply house with her winning personality, generous spirit, sharp mind, extremely hard work and her determination for success. She created delicious flavors for the SnoBall with an assortment of extracts and flavorings, evaporated and condensed milk resulting in her specialties nectar cream and chocolate cream. Josie was the sister of Camille Marino, Charles Marino, Angelo Raineri, Mary Marino Schmitt, Sam Marino, Jasper Raineri, Lena Marino Willis and Jake Marino; grandmother to the children of her son the late Anthony J. Ortolano and former wife Dena Landry: George, Tracy, Shaun, Jared, Briton and Chad; great grandmother to Briana, Gabrielle, Riley, Faye and Katie. She will be sadly missed by her goddaughter and niece Georgiana M. Janusa and held in lovingly memory by her many nieces, nephews and godchildren from the Marino and Ortolano families, her many wonderful friends and her caretakers, the American Business Women Association, Louisiana Women for Education, the original Venus Carnival Club and members of St. Philip Niri's Young at Heart. Josie lived life to its fullest enjoying people and travel, humor and dancing. As Josie moves to her next life, her contribution to the culture of New Orleans will continue to be spread with her "sugar" in the original New Orleans SnoBall for many, many years to come. Public viewing will be held at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25th, with Mass to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Metairie Cemetery. To view and sign the guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.