Josephine Bockovich, 88, passed away Friday, November 25, 2011, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas after an extended illness. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 6, 1923, to Vincenza and Serafino Ilardi. As a young woman she moved to Painesville, Ohio where she resided for many years. In 1947, Josephine married Wayne Chapman and he preceded her in death in 1963. In 1965, she married Max Holmes and he preceded her in death in 1981. In 1990, she met and then married her beloved Robert Bockovich and in 2003, Jo and Bob relocated to Vidor, Texas.
They regularly attended Christian Fellowship Worship Center in Beaumont. Josephine enjoyed cooking, dancing and loved spending time viewing all of God’s beauty in nature. She enjoyed a house full of company and hosted parties and Bible studies regularly. Prior to retirement, Jo worked at Earls Drive-In Restaurant, the Rayon and owned and operated Country Clean Laundrymat.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Bockovich of Vidor; sister, Mary Eckert of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter, Barbara Martin and her husband, Jim of Madison, Ohio; son, Alan Chapman of Rockwall; daughter, Cyndi Humar of Madison, Ohio; daughter, Wanda Lane and her husband, John of Vidor; step-daughter, Debbie Cassel and her husband, Scott of Painesville, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Josephine was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Samuel Ilardi and Vincent Ilardi; and grandson, Timothy W. Chapman.
Her memorial service will be 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at Christian Fellowship Worship Center, 3950 Pointe Parkway, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of her family and friends will begin at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service at the church.
We would like to say thank you to the Harbor Hospice staff for the love and compassion that has been shown to our “Momma Jo”. Additionally, a special thank you to Mona Vincent and Elsie Spain who have become family to us, we couldn’t have done it without you!
In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice, 2450 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.
