Josephine Pagnotti

Josephine Brzostowski Pagnotti, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, died Friday morning at home. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor J. Pagnotti, on Oct. 30, 1980.

Born in Old Forge, daughter of the late Joseph and Victoria Potempa Brzostowski, Josephine was a proud graduate of Old Forge High School. Along with raising her family of four children, she was a lifelong seamstress in the local garment industry, prior to her retirement. Her favorite job however came while assisting with her father-in-law's event promotion business. She was the face of the event, leading event ticket sales, but although she was always given free event tickets herself, Josephine always "joked" that her tickets were always the "worst seats in the house!"

Josephine "knew a lot about a lot of things." She certainly knew how to cook, making the best spaghetti sauce. She certainly knew how to keep busy, from keeping her home immaculate to solving crossword puzzles. Above all else, she certainly knew how to love. She adored her family, especially her grandchildren, and she now leaves behind a legacy of strength and faith with the generations of family she leaves behind. She will always be missed.

She is survived by her loving family, including four children, Marie Willoughby and husband, Terry, of Danville; devoted caregiver, Angela Pagnotti, of Old Forge; Victor Pagnotti, of Old Forge; and Jeanette Anzelmi and husband, Frank, of Old Forge; her six grandchildren, Michelle Benjamin and husband, Chris; T.J. Willoughby and wife, Missy; Victor Pagnotti and wife, Brittany; Amber McKenna; Dr. Frank Anzelmi and wife, Rachel; Dr. Alexander Anzelmi and fiancée, Dr. Ellie; and Brittney Rhodes; 14 great-grandchildren; and a great-great granddaughter with another on the way; siblings, Barbara Michalowski, of Scranton; and the Rev. Hilary Brzostowski, of Elliott, Md.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by siblings, Bernard, Joseph and Edward Brzostowski, Genevieve Juba, Regina Kenia and Elizabeth Salitis; and a grandson, Jeff Hudak.

Her family would like to acknowledge and thank Josephine's caregivers, Linette, Maria and Roslyn; Comprehensive Medical Home Health and Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Dr. Kenneth Sebastianelli and staff for their collective compassion and care.

A celebration of Josephine's life will be Wednesday with a noon blessing service in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with burial to follow at the Old Forge Cemetery.

Family and friends may pay their respects at the funeral home Wednesday from 11 a.m. until services. Please visit the funeral home's website for directions or to leave a condolence.