Obituary of Giuseppa M. Marquez

Josphine Marquez December 14, 1940 - January 19, 2024 Elmont, New York Josephine Marquez passed away on January 19th, 2024 at the age of 83. She was the proud mother to Claudia, Camille and Eddie. Mother in law to Jeff Melendez and Johanna Gimenez, and “Nana” to her grandchildren Justin, Aaron, Olivia, Evan, Sophia and Mia, who she cherished dearly. Josephine’s greatest love was her family. After losing her beloved Sal in 2014, she suffered a series of health issues that went undiagnosed. But she fought the good fight and lived another ten years. This gift of time allowed her to see her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews grow and she loved being “Aunt Jo” to many. Born in Caltabellotta, Sicily on December 14, 1940 to her parents Joseph and Maria Cottone, she was the oldest of five children. Her father was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but after moving to Sicily and voting in an Italian election, he lost his U.S. citizenship. However he was able to transfer this citizenship to his first born and as a result, Josephine was a citizen of the United States even before coming to America. Knowing that America was the land of opportunity, her parents sent her to live with her paternal grandfather’s sister, Rose Nocella, who owned a home in Elmont, NY. So at the age of 14, Josephine boarded the Vulcania and set sail for America. Josephine turned 15 as she traveled, and on the eve of Christmas 1955 the boat docked in New York City, where she would meet her distant relatives for the very first time. Josephine fondly remembered her time living with her cousins Pauline, Frank and Mary in her aunt’s home on Claridge Avenue in Elmont. There were many nights where Josephine would accompany her cousins to Club Carousel, the night club that her cousin Frank owned, to just hang out. She definitely benefited from her parents' decision to send her to America, but she never took the opportunity for granted. At the age of 16 she quit high school and started working at Joanne’s Coat Factory on Holland Avenue sewing buttons on coats. She was happy to send money home to her family and even saved with the hopes of helping her family once they arrived in America. In 1963 Josephine was reunited with her family and they had rented a two-bedroom apartment on Holland Ave in Elmont. She succeeded in her mission to bring her family to America. Marriage, divorce, and the loss of loved ones were all a part of her life. She grieved the loss of her parents, Joseph and Maria Cottone, her three siblings, Lilla Shipton, Benny Cottone and Nicolo Cottone, and her beloved Sal. She would often recite Mark Twain’s famous quote “Do not complain about growing old. It is a privilege denied to many.” She is survived by her sister Anna Vassalo. Bingo was a big part of her life, she loved the night out and often chauffeured an elderly friend to and from bingo. Later in life she was employed at Tops Bingo Hall on Jamaica Ave in Queens, NY, where she found much camaraderie among her coworkers, and she enjoyed earning a paycheck. Josephine leaves behind a legacy of love, determination, fearlessness, strength, wisdom, responsibility and inspiration. She opened up her home to those who needed one and was known for her cooking and hospitality. She hosted many Christmas and Easter celebrations. Her home was always filled with family and friends and there were many Friday night card games played at her kitchen table. She had a heart of gold and even in her last days when life became difficult she always had a smile on her face. She was a woman who loved unconditionally, was wise in the many difficult decisions that she faced, and succeeded in living the American Dream. Josephine will be forever loved and sorely missed.