Mary Josephine Giffune

Was released from the cruel grip of Alzheimer's disease on May 6, 2010, and died peacefully at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth, Maine. Born in Utica, N.Y. on Aug.6,1914, the eldest of five children of Anthony and Mary (Stoio) DeNigro, Josephine lived a full life:She graduated from the Utica School of Commerce, circa 1930. As a young wife and mother, she moved to Elmira, N.Y. with her husband, Joseph W. Giffune in 1945.She was predeceased by her beloved husband in March,2000.They made their home in Elmira for more than 55 years, where they raised three sons.They both worked for Sears and Roebuck until retirement.Both played active roles in their community and they were a familiar sight to many as they took their daily two mile walk around West Elmira.Jo was an active member of the West Elmira Fire Department Women's auxiliary and St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary, receiving recognition and awards for more than one thousand hours of service. She was a communicant of Our Lady of LourdesCatholic Church, where she also gave many hours of selfless service.Josephine was an inspiration to many as she tirelessly cared for her in-laws in their declining years, as well as her own mother, and then her husband, for four years in their home as he declined, and for another year and a half at St. Joseph's Skilled Nursing Unit, where she visited him every day, feeding and caring for him in his final days. Jo lovedto cook and bake, and made anyone who stopped in at her home feel welcome and loved.When her sons were in high school, her kitchen table was a meeting place for their friends, who remember her for her kindness and wonderful meals.Later, she loved having her sons' families visit, and her grandchildren carry warm memories of sitting around her table absorbing the love and nurturing that "Grandma and Grandpa" provided. Besides her beloved husband of 64 years, Josephine was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony and Joseph, a sister, Mary Margaret and is survived by a sister Mary Genevieve Cardone of Syracuse NY. She leaves three sons, James M and his wife Mary Ellen (O'Keeffe), Joseph W.and his wife Kathleen (Grasso), Paul A. and his wife, Eva (Lupa); seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Josephine's family is deeply appreciative for all the many acts of kindness and support from those in the Elmira area during her declining years, before she moved to Maine to be with family: To name just a few- The Woodbrook Assisted Living facility, Sister Marie Michael, King and Teresa Fitzpatrick, Sylvia "Suzy" Rossplock, Connie Nolan,and Florette Hermon and in Maine the excellent care at Sedgewood Commons.Mom's circle of friends was large; we thank all who made up the tapestry of her life. Funeral arrangements are with the OlthofFuneral Home:Visitation will be on Wed. May 12, from 4-7pm.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church (formerly Our Lady of Lourdes) in West Elmira.Interment will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery, Elmira, NY. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Joseph's Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit. A "Candle of Remembrance" may be left for the family in Obituaries atwww.olthof.com.