Josephine M. (Giovannini) Barsanti, age 93, of Lake Worth, FL, formerly of Somerville, passed away on December 1, 2025, lovingly surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife for 66 years of the late Paul Barsanti, until his death in 2016.
Born in Corsagna, Lucca, Italy, she was the daughter of Francesco and Lucinda (Pellegrini) Giovannini.
After surviving the devastation of the Second World War in Italy, Josephine came to America with her beloved husband Paul in 1950. Together, they lived the American Dream borne of hard work, strong faith, and love of family. They raised their two daughters, Sandra and Franca, in a home filled with the warmth and affection of cherished relatives. Their lives were further enriched by a vibrant community of dear friends who preserved their shared Italian culture while becoming proud Americans.
Josephine is lovingly survived by her daughters: Sandra Risbey and her husband Rick of Toronto, Canada, Franca Richard and her husband Jack of Winchester, MA. She was the cherished grandmother of Paul Richard, Alexandra Risbey and Cristina Richard, the devoted great-grandmother of 8 and the dear sister of the late Nancy Giovannini. She also leaves behind a nephew, Joe Giovanni and his wife Rose of Somerville, MA.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Saturday, December 6, from 9-10:30AM, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester at 11AM. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine’s memory may be made to Catholic TV, P.O. Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471. https://www.catholictv.org.