Josephine M. Vella

UTICA - Josephine M. Vella, age 98, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Katherine Luther Home with her loving family by her side. Born in Farnham, NY on October 16, 1920, Josephine was the daughter of the late Salvatore “Sam” and Mary (Montaleone) Vella. She was raised and educated in Auburn, NY. Josephine worked for 42 years at the Columbian Rope Company in Auburn, starting out as a clerk and subsequently being promoted to production planner, the position from which she retired. She was proud to be one of the first females in the company to be promoted. Like many of her generation who entered the workforce at the height of the Great Depression, she had strength of will, mind, and body, and a determination to be independent. She was thoughtful to the needs of others before her own, and she made many sacrifices in caring for her beloved parents. She was an excellent cook and a talented singer. Josephine was committed to all her endeavors, and her keen mind kept her focused to the finish line. She was very spiritual and practiced her Catholic creed at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. As a member of the 101st Airborn Division Association, she traveled abroad often to visit and pay homage to her brother Tommy at his final resting place in Europe. She cherished the history and held a respect for the events of World War II and the courage of those who fought and died to attain “peace for our time”. Josephine is survived by her brother, Francis R. “Frank” Vella; her nieces and nephews, Paul and Christine Vella, Denis Vella and Rebecca Talerico, Francine and John Julian, Karen Vella, Thomas and Cathy Crosby, and Raymond Crosby; great-nieces and great-nephews, Samantha Vella, Nicholas Vella; twins Kyle Vella, and Adam Vella; Emily Julian, Erin Nicole Julian, Evan Julian; Ashley Crosby, Amanda Crosby; several cousins; and friends, Fred and Shirley Napoli of Auburn. She was predeceased by her sister, Benedetta Crosby; brother, Thomas Vella who passed during WWII; sister-in-law, Eleanor E. “Ellie” Vella; nephew, Richard “Rick” Vella; and her friend, Ida Jorgenson. The family is grateful to the staffs of the Gordon, and especially the Saul Unit at Lutheran Care for the loving, compassionate, and exceptional care they provided to Josephine. In keeping with Josephine’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. The family honored and commemorated her life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Josephine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum in Auburn at the convenience of the family.

Josephine M. Vella

October 16, 1920 - November 15, 2018