Josephine M. (Iavelo) Cipriano, a long-time resident of Winchester, passed away on March 8, 2016. She was the beloved wife of the late Salvatore M. Cipriano.
Born in Boston, Josephine was the daughter of the late Angelo and Mary (Faretra) Iavelo. Mrs. Cipriano worked as a dedicated bookkeeper in her family’s produce business for many years, a business still operated by her family today. Josephine had a smile for everyone and loved living in Winchester, first on Squire Road and then at the renovated Wyman School Condominiums on Church Street. Widowed for decades, Josephine was as strong as she was gentle, continuing to drive and work until the last months of her life and made it a point to support our local businesses as a loyal customer and often times, friend. Josephine was always thinking of others by rejoicing in their triumphs and supporting them in their challenges. She was deeply loved and will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, Josephine’s first priority in life was always her family. Mrs. Cipriano’s grandchildren produced a video that was shown during her visiting hours at the funeral home, which included their many entertaining stories and memories, yet clearly and poignantly illustrated her role as the respected matriarch, and proud, doting, and indulging “Nana”.
She was the loving mother of Joanne Cipriano Dolan and husband Charles of Lincoln, James Cipriano and wife Alaine of Lexington, Maria Cipriano Maggio and husband Wayne of Winchester, Lisa Cipriano Collins and husband William of Orlando, FL. She was also the dear sister of Jeanette Virusso and husband Michael, the late Franklin and Anthony Iavelo, and is further survived by her adoring grandchildren: Marissa Dolan, Jaina, John and Rose Cipriano, Nick and Julia Maggio, Maxwell, Emily and Ruby Collins, several nieces & nephews and great nieces and nephews. The family would also like to extend special thanks to dedicated caregivers Linda, Carine,Tessy, Odna & Louise.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester, on Saturday, March 12 at 11:30 AM. Interment was in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine’s memory may be made to the Nancy Cipriano Scholarship Fund - Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Nursing Program, 170 Governors Ave., Medford, MA 02155.