Josephine Marie Flesher

Josephine “Jo” Marie Flesher, 92, of Rockford, IL, died at 6:37 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Agrace hospice facility in Madison, WI, after a short illness surrounded by her loving family. Born in New York City on October 9, 1930, Josephine was the daughter of Joseph P. Porcello and Matilda Palmerone, and sister to Jean. Josephine was proceeded in death by her husband of 53 years, Henwood C. Flesher Jr.; her parents; brother-in-law, Ralph Pignataro; stepsister, Mary Palmerone; and stepbrothers, Wallace Capobianco and Danny Palmerone.

Survivors include daughters: Deborah (Bruce) Kepner of Madison, WI, and Penelope Thimmig of Rockford; sons: Henwood C. (aka Chip) Flesher III, of Oconomowoc, WI, and Michael P. Flesher (Michael Wood) of Madison, WI; daughter in-law, Cathy Bill of Cambridge, WI; grandchildren: Heidi Vasquez, Charles Thimmig, Erin Maiden (Ty), Nathan Kepner (Eleni), Brook Zirzow (Zach), Bridget Flesher, Elizabeth Wood, and Susan Wood; great grandchildren: Shawn, Anastasia, Angel, Alexander, Grant, Crosby, Brock, Niko, Ellie, and Graham; sister, Jean Pignataro of East Northport, NY; step brother, Nick Palmerone (Eileen) of Stonington, CT; nieces: Donna Rosen (Fred) of East Northport, NY and Tina Esswein of Melville, NY; nephew, Anthony Pignataro (Linda) of Commack, NY; cousins: Barbara Harp, Livonia, MI, and Mary-Lou Sheara, Babylon, NY: and many great nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family extends a special thanks to the loving staff and volunteers at Agrace Hospice who provided tremendous care for Josephine at the end of her life.

Josephine, a 61-year resident of Rockford, IL, dedicated her life to her family and friends, and to the organizations she was involved with over the course of her life, including Rockford’s Protestant Welfare’s mobile meal program, Welcome Wagon, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Rockford Memorial Hospital, West High School Boosters, and many others. She had a true gift of connecting with people and never met a stranger. Her happiest moments were when her children, grandchildren, and friends were gathered, and she could serve them her favorite recipes, including her famous Italian red sauce and sour cream coffee cake. Josephine will be remembered for her loving, inquisitive, and caring spirit, that will live on in her family near and far.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, with a visitation from 10-11AM, service at 11 AM, followed by a burial in the Resurrection Ash Garden, and lunch at the family’s hometown parish, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 North Church Street, Rockford, IL, with Reverend Diane Tomlinson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Josephine’s honor to the Agrace health care agency in Madison, WI: https://www.agrace.org/donate/ or Emmanuel Episcopal Church “Emmanuel Guild” Program: https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/giving/. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Madison, 2810 Crossroads Drive, Madison, WI.