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Josephine Purcell Obituary
Josephine Festa Purcell, 90, of Sycamore Drive, Westport CT, died peacefully at her home on Saturday morning September 9, 2017. She was predeceased by her husband David Richard Purcell, and will be fondly missed. She was born in Norwalk, in 1927 and has been a Westport resident for 61 years. Mainly a homemaker and mother, she also worked in many local renowned restaurants such as Skippers, Blue Moon, The Clambox, and retired from the Patterson Club after 22 years of service.
Her passion was food, whether preparing for her family or catering for large events, including her outstanding professional wedding cakes, or her memorable Italian cookie assortments. Her family will remember her especially for her true Italian homemade pizzas and pierogies! She enjoyed her weekly card games with her beloved sisters and brothers as well as routine trips to the local casinos in Atlantic City or Mohegan Sun due to her love of BINGO and slot machines! In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers Alfred Festa, Sam Festa, and sister Ann Reda. Surviving family members include her four sons, David J. Purcell and wife Rebecca of Fairfield, Thomas Purcell and wife Nancy of Westport, Mark Purcell and wife Holly of Newtown, and Timothy Richard Purcell and wife Denise, of Weston. She also leaves behind her five sisters, Mary Manzi, Fay Du Bois, Helen Barati, and Mathilda Besaw, all of Norwalk, and Rose Russo of Trumbull CT; and her brother Patrick Festa. Her greatest love was to surround herself with and spoil her eight grandchildren, Joann, Amanda, David, Tom, Michelle, Alexa, Jennifer, and Christopher. She was most fortunate to see her first great grandchild Nicholas Cito.
Being from such a large family, she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Contributions may be made to the in Josephine's memory to the Alzheimers Foundation. Friends are invited to attend the funeral on Friday at 9:15 a.m. from the FAIRFIELD FUNERAL HOME OF EDMUND W. DOUGIELLO, 36 South Pine Creek Road and at 10 a.m. in St. Luke Church in Westport with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield. Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Purcell
Nicole Grywalski
September 16, 2017
Sending our deepest condolences to the Purcell family. Thinking of you all
Ann Marie Kehlor (Brucia)
September 14, 2017
To the entire Purcell family we extend our condolences. A very large loss in our own hearts for the caretaker for my children. We met in 1995 when Jo became a part of our family and stayed that member, mentor and dear friend to myself, my children and their father. Prayers, Ann Marie Kehlor, Evan, Grant,Abigail and Peter Brucia and Murray..:)
Kim Bender-Schmidt
September 14, 2017
Tim and family, I am so sorry to hear of your wonderful Moms passing.I remember her as being a very sweet and kind person. She will be missed, and Im sure not forgotten.
Mary-Ellen Johnson
September 13, 2017
Dave, Tim, Tom and Mark. It was a pleasure to take care of your Mom for the 2 years I was with her. I will carry our memories with me and will look forward to seeing Josie again on the other side in Heaven. My love and prayers are with you during your time of loss.
Tracey Peden
September 13, 2017
To the Purcell family,
I was so saddened to hear of Josephine's passing. May the love and support of those around you provide peace and solace to get you through this difficult time. My sincere condolences.
Barbra,Ken, Gabrielle and Zachary Utting
September 13, 2017
To the entire Purcell family,
Jo was our babysitter for many years. Our children thought of her as their grandmother. She always brought them her homemade cookies, frequently baking with them. We always thought of her as family. Please accept our condolences, she was truly a special person.
Doreen Russell
September 12, 2017
Rest In Peace Aunt Jo! Many happy memories of you. You will be missed.
Lorraine DeCarlo
September 12, 2017
Tom,Tim and Purcell Family,So Sorry on the passing of your Mom.My thoughts and prayers are with the Purcell Family at this time.RIP
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