Josephine Bonitatibus, 101, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in her daughter’s home in Erdenheim surrounded by loved ones.
She was born May 6, 1922, the sixth of seven children. A longtime Chestnut Hill resident, Josephine moved into a house on Mermaid Lane with her husband Albert in 1950, where they intended to raise their growing family. After becoming widowed in 1960, Josephine fought to keep the roof of the house she loved over her five children’s heads. She was successful, as she lived there for another 33 years, remaining a committed member of the community.
Josephine was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was also an avid gardener, known for her beautiful zinnias. She is survived by three children, Stephen Michael Bonitatibus, Jo-Ellen Mary Portolese, and Sharon Grace Dillon, along with 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Josephine now rejoins her husband as well as her dear son and daughter, Albert John Bonitatibus and Marsha Anne Watts, in Heaven.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at Our Mother of Consolation Catholic Church (9 E Chestnut Hill Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118) on Friday, April 5, 2024. The viewing will take place at 10:00 a.m., followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. and burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (3301 W Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150).
