Josephine C. (Ortisi) Gandolfi, 90, of Wareham and Boca Raton, Florida died Aug. 7 after a long illness.

Devoted wife of 72 years to Vincent J. Gandolfi. Beloved mother of Connie Atwood, Marge Gandolfi, Marie Elena Gandolfi, and Larraine Gandolfi and her spouse Dr. Carol Bard. Adored Nana of Vincent and Kristen Atwood and Brandon Gandolfi. Loving sister to Frank Ortisi and his wife Lillian (Cuilla); and Adrianna Ortisi-Best and her husband Richard. Dear sister-in-law of Camille (Gandolfi) Ryan and her husband Thomas; Mrs. Josephine (Zanti) Gandolfi; Mathew Gandolfi and his wife Margaret (Zanti). She was predeceased by her son-in-law LCDR Barry M. Atwood, brothers-in-law Joseph Gandolfi and Guy Gandolfi and his wife Doris; and her sister-in-law Frances (Gandolfi) Pasinissi.

Josephine was the daughter of the late Pietro and Domenica Ortisi from Augusta, Sicily and Medford.

She leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews. “Josie” was an excellent cook and starred in her own family cooking videos to the delight of her many friends and relations whom she loved to entertain. Her biscotti were renowned and with her trusted helper husband Vinny doing the mailing, there were many surprised and grateful recipients across the country. Josie’s passion for the opera was legendary, as befits her Sicilian heritage. As she cooked, she loved to sing along with a favorite aria. Devouring her monthly copy of “Opera News” she educated and inspired everyone to add opera to their daily repertoire. Her Joie de Vivre will be missed by all who knew her.

Her funeral will be held at 9 a.m. on Aug. 12 from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway, Wareham, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham.

Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham.