Josephine Gallis, 88 years of Fairport, passed away peacefully in her sleep April 8, 2023. She was the oldest child of the late Michael and Lillian Morreale. Preceded in death by her husband, Anthony, her brother Charles, and sister Felicia. Survived by her son, David (Mary), daughter, Lilianne, granddaughter, Christina, grandson, Daniel, great granddaughter, Elena, sister-in-law, Barbara, brother-in-law, Ron and niece, nephew, and cousins.
Mom was a homemaker all her life after I was born. My sister came 7 years later so she had enough time to keep up with me before my sister came along. She took great care of my sister and me while my father worked two jobs so we could attend catholic schools from elementary school through high school. She really supported me during my years as an altar boy and little league baseball player. An excellent cook and baker, she wrote many recipe cards that my wife still uses today. She was there for Mary and me during happy times like the birth of our two children, pitching in doing anything needed for us to adjust to the new additions to our life. She was a rock of strength during the darkest time of our life when our daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at age 9. She was religious and during her later years didn’t attend church very often but always made sure she said her 2 or 3 rosaries each day. She had quite a collection of rosaries. She was an avid gardener, and we all have something from her garden in our own gardens. She crocheted many baby sweaters and afghans for friends and family. I will always remember her strength, strong opinions and always being there for us.
Lilianne is also very sad at the loss of our mother. She always would ask me how Jolie (mom’s other name we called her) was doing at the nursing home. She writes “Mom you were such a good mother. You taught me how to be a good, strong, hard-working person. I appreciate all that you did for me. You will be missed.”
There will be no showing and interment will be private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester 200 Meridian Center Blvd. Suite 110 Rochester, NY 14618.