THOMPSON -Josephine M. “Jo Jo" (DeNardis) Davis, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2020 in Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam, after a period of declining health. Her husband of 60 years, Harold F. Davis, Sr., died in 2013.
She leaves 5 children, Harold F. "Buster" Davis, Jr. and his companion Laurie Bowman of Webster, MA, Josephine M. LaFlamme and her companion Bob Banks of Willington, CT, Thomas B. Davis and his companion Andrea Bach of Thompson, Elizabeth A. Beaudry and her husband Richard of Albuquerque, NM, and Kathleen G. Mayotte and her husband Jeffrey of Thompson; a sister, Mary Aldrich of Webster, MA; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter Norma J. Defilippo, her granddaughter, Jennifer A. Lehrer, her sisters Anna Tracey, Christina DeNardis, and Santina "Bella" Siekierski, and by her brother Thomas DeNardis.
She was born in Webster on July 7, 1933, daughter of Thomas and Angela (Esposito) DeNardis and was raised on High Street in Webster and Brandon Road in Dudley.
She graduated from Bartlett High School in Webster in 1951, where she played on the girls' basketball team. She moved to Thompson in 1954, shortly after marrying Harold.
Mrs. Davis first worked as a clerk at the former Godzik’s Market in Thompson and then at Bates Shoe Company in Webster. Jo Jo helped establish the Ladies Auxiliary for the East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department and worked with other members to raise funds for the department and to ensure the firefighters were taken care of when responding to alarms. For many years, she was a salesperson for Stanley Home Products and after that she worked in the children's department at Walmart in Putnam for several years, retiring in 2012. She enjoyed watching the children grow over the years as many of them came back to the store to say hi to the lady who hugged them and gave them coins for the vending machines when they were little.
Jo Jo had such a beautiful and outgoing personality evidenced by the lifelong friends she made over the years. She enjoyed playing the organ (and played it well – the accordion too!), crocheting doilies for family and friends, playing cards, bingo and visiting the casino. She also enjoyed watching the wildlife in her yard, especially the deer, birds, and her cats. Most of all, she enjoyed cooking and feeding her family. She was the epitome of the Italian mother/grandmother – you couldn’t visit without being fed, and fed well. Ask any family member or friend, and they’ll tell you she was a great cook and made THE best gravy and meatballs in the world! She was loved and will be missed by so many.
A graveside service will be held in Westfield Cemetery, Danielson, at the convenience of the family. To respect Jo Jo’s wishes, there are no calling hours. Donations in her name may be made to The East Thompson Fire Department, East Thompson Road, Thompson, CT 06277 or a Veterans charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main St., Webster, MA.