Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Josefina Boza Obituary
A 16-year-old girl found her recently reconciled mother and stepfather dead late Saturday night in an apparent murder-suicide allegedly committed by a man with a history of violence toward women.
Josefina Boza, 35, and her husband, Michael Leopold Phillips, 56, were found in a bathroom in their home in the 800 block of Balfrey Drive South, in an unincorporated neighborhood west of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County sheriff's detectives said.
Both were shot in the head, and detectives said a preliminary investigation showed it was a murder-suicide.
Boza, a native of Cuba, had two children with Phillips and two teenage daughters of her own. She was Phillips' fifth wife. It was her first marriage. They were married 41/2 years.
Phillips' arrest record shows three charges since 1988 of domestic battery or assault on a spouse. In 1988 through 1990, one of Phillips' ex-wives was granted injunctions for protection against domestic violence, which may include a restraining order and require the respondent to receive counseling.
Phillips carried a concealed weapons permit that he obtained in 1999 and renewed in 2006. He had worked in maintenance for the Palm Beach County School District since 1988.
Boza and Phillips had been separated for more than a year but recently reconciled, relatives told detectives. Yet, the couple still argued, and Boza's relatives said Phillips told his wife that, if he couldn't have her, no one else would.
Margate resident Adelle Phillips, who was divorced from Michael Phillips in 1996, said Sunday that she, too, was a victim of his abuse.
"It was for rage that we separated," said Adelle Phillips, who was married to him for three years. "He always had a temper. He pointed a gun at me once."
Boza and Phillips lived in a bright yellow, ranch-style house in a tightly packed enclave called Lake Belvedere Estates, north of Haverhill Road. Palm Beach County property appraiser's records show Phillips bought the 1950s-era house for $81,000 in 2000.
Boza started a MySpace page in April that contains "Happy Mother's Day" messages from her two teenage daughters and pictures of the two young sons that she had with Phillips.
Next to her photo she wrote, "Mi Kidz Cum 1st."
The Florida Department of Children and Families has turned the children over to the custody of Boza's brother.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Josefina Boza
Bridgett K
January 9, 2010
Josefina: You were known to bring a smile upon every face that you met. You had such a big,caring, loving heart. I enjoyed working with you at CNS. I laugh when I think about how I used to take my braids(extensions) out at work,and throw them over to your cubicle, and, you kept those braids in a plastic bag. Then you told me that you'd collected enough of my braids to go have them braided into your hair. I love you, I miss you,but, I do know that you're an Angel watching over those who were dear to you. To the Boza family, I'm always here for you. My prayers are with you all. Stand strong with God.
ronniece bowers
February 14, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
ronniece bowers
February 14, 2008
hey ma
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
i miss you soooo much!!! i still cant believe you're gone!!! you're always thought of!!! i love you very much!
I will always be with your family and friends.
Clarissa Gutierrez
February 7, 2008
My political cousin a.k.a Yamile we will miss you so much. I will always remember the times we share together. You always had a smile on your face regardless of your situation. My family remembers you. Your childrens are in good hands.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
s.o.s haiti
January 30, 2008
hey im sorry josefina boza for wat happen to you. but you will be truly miss. Yamilet I hope everything work out for u .stay bless okay be strong so that you can support yanet and the boys because their counting on .stay bless okay cause one day you will meet her in heaven......
Ann Walcott
January 30, 2008
Josefina knowing you as Danny friend I have grown to love you like my own Daughter your Kindness smile your kind heart you always willing to help others I am so sorry to know the way you leave this world may you rest in peace until we meet again your kids is going to be ok that is a promise love you always
January 28, 2008
Hey josefina im sorry for wat happen to u .
Chris Cornelius
January 25, 2008
All I can say is there was a Rose taken away too soon. I had the honor of working with Josefina at CNS and she had a beautiful spirit. There were days the office would be silent and Josefina would say something funny and have the whole office in an uproar. No matter what kind of mood you were in she had a spririt of making you laugh. I will forever treasure the memories of the fun and laughter we shared. It was hard to say good-bye, but god loved you best. You can rest now. Until we meet again.
Shenise Rhymer
January 24, 2008
I'm still in shock over what happened. I just saw Josefina about 2 months ago. As always, it was a pleasure to run into her. I extend my condolences to her family. She was a wonderful person.
Cherna Romulus
January 24, 2008
josefina i cant stop thinking about what have happened 2u its really unbeleiveable i cant put it in my head dat your really gone i dont want it 2 be true it hurts me so much.one thing i wiah we all just wouldve spent more time 2gether and i really wantd shaniya wouldve have da chance 2really meet u.you was a really good nice freindly person always happy even if you was mad about any thing you still kept a smile on your face and always did you stay strong for your love ones.I LOVE U AND MISS YOU ALWAYS NEVER WILL I FORGET YOU.R.I.P.
Cherna/Rashun/Shaniya Romulus/Hamil
January 23, 2008
Till dis day i still can't beleive dat your gone i jst had seen you saturday afternoon picking up yanet ready 2go spend time with your mom.You was always happy when i seen you n trust me i will always miss you everyone will you will never be forgoten we will aways love n remember da times we each shared with you.Your angels yamilet,yanet,richard,and last but not less your baby rolando will always be taking care of so please dont woorry.To da family im really SORRY for your lose i wish you guys da best untill we all meet with her again.May u josefina be in a BETTER place n rest in peace.MUCH LOVE I MISS YOU SO MUCH BUT I KNOW YOU ARE STILL WITH US SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY WHEN GOD CALLS ON ME.LOVE AND MISS YOU ALWAYS.I know right now im jst a baby but i will remember you as i grow and miss you.Im mad at you because i never n never will have a real chance 2meet you.LOVE YOU ALWAYS.R.I.P.
ronniece bowers
January 23, 2008
I know this is like my 2nd time writing you but i miss you soooooo much!!!!
Kathy LaGuardia
January 22, 2008
Josefina I will never forget the times we had together and ALL the laughs we had at WP2. You always made me smile with your presence, and i will always cherish those moments. My prayers go out to you and your family. We all miss you from Value Pawn and especially Wp2. Josefina I Love you mama!!!xoxo
Diane Maroto
January 22, 2008
I am honored to have worked with such a beautiful person and become her friend, you were taken from us tragically.But now your an angel in heaven watching over us, you will be greatly missed at wp1
Diane Maroto
January 22, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
jasmine hamil
January 22, 2008
I STILL KANT BELEIVE IT.....I JUST SAW YOU THE OTHER DAY...IT HURTS SO BAD 2 SEE YOU GONE BUT I JUST REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES OUR FAMILIES SHARED(SOMETIMES IT MAKES ME FEEL A LITTLE BETTER).YOU HAD A SMILE SO BIG IT LIT UP A ROOM(I'LL NEVER FORGET THAT.)IMA MISSS YOU SOOOOO MUCH.I LOVE U MUCH.....
CNA Seta Corporation
January 22, 2008
Our Deepest Condolences...Catalog Network Services Family (Continued)
Melissa Brown
Sandy Parrish
Heather Cherisma
Dionne Depooter-Massicot
Karen
Kerline
Chafnee Thompson
Courtney
Dustin Ponder
John Horne
January 22, 2008
Dear Josefina: your smile and life
touched so many round you and you made me feel so welcome when I walked in the door to WP1. I will never forget you John
WILL MISS THE GREAT TIMES WE HAD.......
JESENIA
January 22, 2008
JOSEFINA,
I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH, THE SHORT TIME THAT I WORKED W/ YOU WE BECAME SUCH GOOD FRIENDS AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR BIG BEAUTIFUL SMILE....YOU WILL DEFINITLY BE REMEMBERED FROM ME....ALL OF US FROM WP1 WILL MISS YOU.....
Vanessa Rivera
January 22, 2008
THIS IS JACOB'S MOM FROM NEXT DOOR. IM STILL IN SHOCK OVER THE NEWS AND I CANT EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU ALL HOW SORRY I AM TO HEAR WHAT HAPPEND. ROLONDO AND RICHIE WHERE JUST AT MY HOUSE THAT FRIDAY NIGHT PLAYING WITH MY SON AND SEEN JOSEFINA FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. SHE WAS SUCH A NICE PERSON ALWAYS DID HAVE A SMILE ON HER FACE. TO THE KIDS AND THE FAMILY I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU ALL IN MY PRAYERS AND I WILL NOT FORGET EITHER OF YOU KIDS.
Nicole Brown
January 22, 2008
When I recieve the news I just could not belive it. Josefina and I worked together and she was such a joy to be around.A loving and kind person always with a smile on her face.I will keep the Boza family in my prayers.
CNA Seta Corporation
January 22, 2008
Our Deepest Condolences...Catalog Network Services Family
Ann Paris
Donnella Boone
Phyllis Upshaw-Vickers
Bridgette King
Erica Todd
Chris Cornelius
Andrea Butler
Shalonda Fayne
Nicole Brown
Monique
January 22, 2008
Josefina i cant believe your gone. I will never forget the good times we had together, the parties and vacations both our families shared.You were more than a friend to me, we were like family and I will always cherish that. Don't worry you know I will help look after the kids and i will be there for them. Im gonna miss you so much, if only I could turn back time to see your face once more, you will always be in my heart and never fogotten.
Monique
January 22, 2008
Josefina i cant blieve ur gone. I will never forget the good times we had together, the parties and vacations both our families shared. You don't have to worry you know I will look after the kids and i will be there for them. Im gonna miss you so much, if only I turn back the time to see your face once more, you will always be in my heart and never fogotten.
LENA COTTON
January 21, 2008
JOSEFINA BOZA WAS A GREAT WOMAN, I JUST SAW HER 2 DAYS AGO, WE WERE LAUGHING AND JOKING AND NOW SHE'S GONE. SPECIAL PRAYERS TO HER MOTHER, GOD NOW HAS ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL FLOWER TO ADD TO HIS GARDEN.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE FAMILY:
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life." Revelations 21:3-6
Phyllis Upshaw-Vickers
January 21, 2008
I can't begin to express my sorrow for Josefina's Family, I will keep you all in my prayers. I want you to know what a loving and true friend she was, full of fun, laughter and good jokes. If I could help in anyway please don't hesitate to ask.........GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU FOREVER.....([email protected])
Rhonda Bowers
January 21, 2008
Hey Ma its me Rhonda,
I woke up this morning hoping it was all just a dream, just can't believe you're gone. I miss you like Crazy. The kids are going to be okay, so don't worry. I hope you are in a better place now. Last time I seen you was on Christmas and I told you that I loved you and that I would take care of my lil sister's and I promise I will. I will take care of all of them. I will make sure they do what you would have wanted them to do. I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU SO MUCH.
I LOVE YOU!!!!
January 21, 2008
Ronniece Bowers
January 21, 2008
Hey Ms.Josefina,
OMG I dont know what to say...I cant believe you're gone...Right now I wished we wouldnt have moved from LBE....I knew you since I was in the 8th grade!!!! I was at your house everyday be4 i moved last yr!!!!!!! I went and saw Yamilet & Yanet today. Yamilet was just crying and crying and crying...You were like my second mom!! I just saw you about a mth ago and i can't believe you're gone!! I promise..& God is my witness I'm a be there for Yami everyday!!!!! I'm a make sure she does right and stay on the right path & keeps her head up!! I love you sooooo much ma & I miss you alot!!!!
THELMA SALINAS
January 21, 2008
JOSEFINA WAS A GREAT PERSON. I WORKED WITH HER FOR A WHILE, SHE HAD A GREAT PERSONALITY AND VERY OUTGOING SHE WILL BE MISSED BUT NOW SHE IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW AND LOOKING DOWN AT HER CHILDREN.
Ann Paris
January 21, 2008
I worked with Josefina a few years back. She was a joy to be around. She had a terrific sense of humor and she always knew how to lighten the mood in the office with that humor. She was a very caring person who loved her children so much. I know she will be missed. I will keep Josefina and her family in my prayers
Bridgett King
January 21, 2008
Josefina,Working with you a few years ago was always alot of fun. Your smile always brought smiles to everyone in the office.You had a very loving heart,always reaching out to help someone. I know you're resting in Heaven. To your children,if there's anything you all need,please feel free to contact me. Your Mom will be missed greatly.([email protected])
Bridgett
Donellar Wims_Boone
January 21, 2008
Josefina our memories are ours together that I can not express. I will hold those close to my heart because we had many memories together. I love you and I am going to miss you.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Josefina Boza's name
Memorial Events
for Josefina Boza
How to support Josefina's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Josefina Boza's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
