Josephine Papandrea Araneo

Josephine Papandrea Araneo, 96, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday Nov. 13 at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born April 14, 1917 in Mishawaka to Stefano and Rosa (Barone) Pugliese. On August 4, 1940 she married Joseph Papandrea who preceded her in death on August 3, 1968. Then on August 20, 1977 in Elkhart she married Joseph A. Araneo who preceded her in death on Sept. 22, 1996.

Surviving are a daughter Elaine A. (John) Swartz of Elkhart, a son Stephen J. Papandrea of Elkhart, 3 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister Mary Grace Miller of Elkhart and a brother Steven Pugliese of Elkhart.
She was preceded in death by a son Rocco A. Papandrea, sisters: Elenore Pugliese (Infant), Josephine Pugliese (Infant), Rose Arcaro and Elizabeth Arcaro, brothers: August, Vito Robert (Bobby), Joseph, Mauro (Red), Jack and Frank Pugliese.

Josephine worked at CTS as a group leader for 42 years where she pioneered Women’s Rights. She was owner /operator of Josephine’s Realty. She was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and the Italian American Relief Association. Josephine was a master seamstress and a fabulous cook. Her greatest joy was to make people happy.

There will be no visitation or service. Cremation will take place and she will be buried next to her husband at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Elkhart at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral & Cremation Center is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com