Josephine Blozevich's Obituary
BLOZOVICH, Josephine Barbara, beloved mother of Jeanie Russo (Pasquale), passed away July 4, 2010, in Tampa, FL. She was 89, and a former Centerville resident. Josephine also leaves behind her grandsons, Pasquale Russo II, and Paul Russo with wife, Melissa; great-grandsons, Paul Anthony, Pasquale (Tripp), and Cole; great-granddaughters, Alexa, and Talia; and brother-in-law, Rudie Blozovich, with wife, Lavon and sister-in-law, Lena Padavich, wife of deceased brother, Fred Padavich, and numerous nieces and nephews. Josephine was preceded in death by her devoted spouse of 66 years, Eddie Blozovich; her parents, George and Delka (Stimac) Padavich; two sisters, Mary Bellegante and Della Padavich; and brothers, Albert Padavich, with wife, Cecelia, and Fred Padavich. She also was predeceased by brother-in-law, Victor (Red) Blozovich and wife, Hazel, and sisters-in-laws, Annie Todey and husband, Frank, and Mary Zemo. Josephine was born June 15, 1921 in Streepyville. She was 19 years old when she married Eddie on September 28, 1940, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. During the early years of their marriage, Josephine and Eddie owned a grocery store and welding shop in Sunshine. Several years later after the birth of their daughter, they began to travel because Eddie's skill as a welder enabled him to work at various projects such as the Fort Randall Dam in South Dakota and the Savannah River Project in Augusta, GA. They also lived in Burlington, IA for several years. Their last move was to Tampa in 1954. Josephine's primary career was that of a homemaker. Josephine earned her Associate's Degree from Hillsborough Community College and was a substitute teacher at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampa and also held all offices of the Ladies' Guild at St Mary's. Josephine was well-known as an avid animal lover, often rescuing, nurturing and feeding them. She was even known to bring injured animals home, caring for them until they were ready for adoption and not a moment before. It was not uncommon for Josephine to adopt many of the animals she rescued. Nothing broke her heart more than seeing an animal hungry or in pain..
Mass of the Resurrection will be held Friday, August 6, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville with Father Dennis Schaab officiating. Pallbearers will be Tom Blozovich, Charles Todey, Ron Padavich, Jerry Butler, Richard Blozovich, and Pat Russo. A memorial has been established to the St. Mary's Catholic Church and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, IA 52544.
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