Funeral mass for Josephine Schatz, 94, of Sullivan, was held 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church of Sullivan. Burial followed at Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation for Josephine was from 9-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, at the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan.
Josephine Rose Schatz was born on October 7, 1922. She was the daughter of Dominick and Josephine (Brucoleri) Sandora, Italian immigrants who came to this country via Ellis Island. Josephine, known as “Fina” was very proud of her Italian heritage and was devoted to her family. She married the love of her life Richard S. Schatz II on November 24, 1945 and she was thrilled to be welcomed into his embracing family. Fina and Richard had one son Richard S. Schatz III. Fina’s only sister Louise died in her early 20’s, a tragedy that deeply affected her. She and Richard opened their hearts and home to her sister’s toddler Ozzie and raised him together with their own son.
Fina worked in many capacities both in the home and outside. She volunteered tirelessly for the cause of developmentally disabled children by serving in the position of Sultana in the International Order of Alhambra. She was passionate about music, whether it was dancing with her husband or singing along as her son played the piano. She made sure that her son went to the best music schools and she paved the way for what became not only his vocation but his avocation for life.
Fina was a strong, vivacious spirit who embraced life fully and was deservedly loved by all. She could light up a room with her presence, and once you had to privilege to meet her, you would never forget her.
She is survived by her son Richard and his wife Diane, her grandchildren Christina Schatz Szewczuk and Richard S. Schatz IV, her great-grandchildren Gabriel and Samantha Szewczuk.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard.
Josephine passed away on Thursday December 1, 2016 at the Life Care Center of Sullivan where she was wonderfully taken care of during her final years.
Memorial contributions are requested by the family to your choice of charity dedicated to assisting disabled children.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.