Catenacci, Josephine "Jo"

Josephine was born in Nelson, BC on September 3, 1938.  She was the second of seven children born to Mary and Sam Catenacci.

Jo attended St. Joseph’s School, graduating in 1955.  She started her career with Mutual Life of Canada in 1956.

She transferred with Mutual Life of Canada to Cranbrook, BC in 1976, where she spent the next 21 years until her retirement.  Her time in Cranbrook was filled with meeting new friends through church, curling, line dancing and travel.

Family was always close and there were many fun road trips to Cranbrook to share in her life.

After Jo retired, she moved back to Nelson to be close to her family and friends.  She was involved in the Catholic Church and was a member for many years of the Catholic Women’s League, as well as the Italian Society.

She also gave her time volunteering at the IODE and always gave to the less fortunate and those needing a helping hand.

Jo was a loving Aunt and great Aunt to her many nieces and nephews who will remember her for her family breakfasts after Church following her mother’s tradition, her wonderful desserts and salads.

Jo was predeceased by her mother and father, Mary and Sam Catenacci, her sisters Ann Gabor and Marie Catenacci, as well as her Uncle Carlo and Aunt Lena, Uncle Tony and Aunt Marion and brother-in-law John Dejong.

She is survived by her sisters Ida Dejong, Fran (Buck) Crawford, Bernadine (Fred) Swetlikoe, brother Jack (Norine) Catenacci and brother-in-law Steve.

She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews, Terry, Randy, Chris and Carolyn Dejong; Shawn, Tammy, and Shannon Crawford; Todd, Scott and Mary-Jean Swetlikoe; Richard and Sandi Catenacci; Steve and Rhonda Gabor and Deanna Proctor; Mark and Gino Catenacci and Angela Bezaire and Brenda Aubin, as well as her cousins Ben and Tony Arcuri and Sandy Corder.

We would like to thank Father Neil Lustado, Dr. Andre Kirsten, Dr. Philip Malpass and all the nurses and care-aids for all their help and support in the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Kootenay Lake General Hospital or the Southern Interior Rotary Lodge located at 2251 Abbott Street, Kelowna BC, V1Y 1E2.