Josephine Calandra, 93, of Kansas City, passed away January 9, 2020. Josephine was born on March 1, 1926 to Frank Maenza and Calogera Battaglia in Camporeale, Sicily. She married Filippo Calandra, and together with their children, they immigrated to the United States in 1963.

Josephine worked for many years as a seamstress at Saks Fifth Avenue. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, gardening, and cooking. Her cookies and Sunday dinners were legendary, bringing the family together at their home in Northeast Kansas City, where you couldn't say no to "mangia"!

Josephine is survived by her sons Vince Calandra (Shirley), Frank Calandra (Lorri), Anthony Calandra (Anni), and Carl Calandra (Rita); nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1978; her grandson, Jamie Bartlett; and her sisters, Lena Locascio (Leonard), Frances (Sam) Maenza, and Mary LoGuidice (Tony).

The Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m., followed by Visitation from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 13, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 14, at St. Gabriel Archangel Catholic Church, 4737 N. Cleveland, Kansas City, MO 64117. Burial will follow at Mt. Saint Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com