Josephine LaVita

Josephine (Josie) Gloria Mortelliti LaVita was born on May 23rd 1929 to Giuseppi Mortelliti and Giovanna Ruggiero in Malden, MA. She had 3 sisters: Pauline, Giovanna (Jenny), and Carmella (Millly) and a brother Nunzio (Frank), all of whom predeceased her. 

Josie graduated Everett High School in 1948 & married Joseph A. LaVita on August 18th 1954. They gave birth to their only child, daughter Donna Lea LaVita Tefft on March 31, 1956. On August 28, 1993 she became grandmother to her only granddaughter, Carly Tefft.

Josie lived in Everett her entire life; first on Waters Avenue, then on Albion Street. She worked for many years as a receptionist at John Hancock Insurance in Boston. In her later years, she enjoyed working as a Demo Representative at the local grocery store in Everett. 

Josie’s greatest joy was her family & being a homemaker; hosting holiday dinners that highlighted her Italian cooking & baking. In her later years, she enjoyed her crossword puzzles, watching game shows like Steve Harvey and writing cards to friends & family. She was a loving person who adored her extended family, as they adored her. 

Today she is survived by her granddaughter, Carly, her son-in-law Steven Tefft and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association.

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