Josephine Noles

Josephine Anne "Josie" Noles, age 88, lifelong resident of Madison, passed peacefully from this life at Nazareth Health & Rehabilitation in Stoughton on Friday, September 30, 2011. Her strong will and determination shone through, even at the end of life.

Josie was born in Madison on September 20, 1923 to Joseph and Maria (Mandala) Stassi. After graduation from high school and some study at the University of Wisconsin -- Madison, she married Grady Lee Noles on April 20, 1944. They were blessed with 42 years together.

During the 1950's and 60's, Josie worked at The Simon House, at that time the most prestigious restaurant in Madison. She rose to the position of Dining Room Manager and always spoke of those years with a great deal of pride. Later, Josie was employed by the State of Wisconsin as a State Capitol tour guide and at the information desk for the Department of Natural Resources.

After her retirement, Josie had the opportunity to travel extensively including visits to her parent's homeland of Sicily. Josie was always fiercely proud of her Sicilian heritage.

She is survived by her son Patrick (Nancy) Noles, several grandchildren and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Grady and her son Stephen (Shirley) Noles. We are comforted in the knowledge they were all lovingly waiting for her with open arms in Heaven.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Capitol Lakes in Madison and Nazareth Health & Rehabilitation in Stoughton. We are also especially grateful to Josie's longtime physician, Dr. Deborah Boushea.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave. Madison, on Wed. Oct. 5, 2011 at 11:00 a. m. with Msgr. Michael Burke presiding. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 10:00 a. m. until the time of service at the church. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.