Josephine (Pollina) Donnici, 91, Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2018, surrounded by her daughters. The Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. followed by Visitation from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, August 27, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, at St. Thomas More Church. Entombment will be at Mount Olivet Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Josephine was born March 12, 1927, to the late Sam and Pauline (Mignori) Pollina. Although her parents originally planned to name her after an aunt, since she was born one week before St. Joseph's Day, her named was changed to Josephine in honor of him. She grew up in her beloved North End Italian community where friends were like family. She worked for the Missouri Department Store where she won several sales awards. Although she had many suitors, she married the best in 1954 - her loving husband Ernie Donnici with whom she spent the next 58 years.

Josephine devoted herself to her new occupation of wife, mother and eventually grandmother. She loved her role as a nurturer. She raised two daughters who loved and adored her. When her grandchildren were born in Wilmington, DE, she was always excited to travel there to celebrate birthday parties and spend time with them. Additionally, Josephine enjoyed taking annual spring vacations with her husband, children and grandchildren to many tropical locations and to Lewes Beach, DE.

Josephine had a special gift of making everyone she met feel special and important. All who met her fell in love with her. Her trademark was offering cookies or Russell Stover chocolates to any visitor, even up to the last days of her life. She had a true gift of hospitality and she and Ernie entertained family and friends frequently. They held an open house every December 4 ^th in honor of their devotion to St. Barbara and she worked tirelessly for many years at the annual St. Joseph's Table at St. Thomas More Parish. Josephine was a member of her woman's sorority for over 60 years where they would take turns hosting canasta parties. The ladies truly were like sisters.

Josephine had an amazing sense of style and good taste. She was the epitome of a 'super shopper', always enjoying the thrill of the hunt – finding the perfect item at a great price. She could have easily had a lucrative career as a personal shopper. Josephine's great taste extended to her home, which was beautifully decorated especially for every holiday  - even more so at Christmas.

Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, in 2012; and her sisters, Georgia Morroto, Bea Calcara, and Jennie Monaco. She is survived by her daughters, Mary M. Donnici and Paula J. Swain (Bill); her granddaughters, Emily Swain (Orlando Serano) and Jessica Swain; sister-in-law, Rose Marie Donnici; and many nieces and nephews.

Josephine's family would like to send a special thank you to her supplemental caregivers Brenda, Lisa, and Morgan from Visiting Angels, as well as her primary Kansas City Hospice care team of Julie, Netoya, Teresa, and Tammi for their loving care and support.

Josephine was an amazing woman. She was deeply loved by her family and will be missed beyond words.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com