Josie Camille Digiglia

Josie Camille DiGiglia, 86, of Lake Charles, LA, died at 3:15 AM on Saturday, November 12, 2016.

Josie was born July 14, 1930 to Sam and Mary DiGiglia in Lake Charles, LA. She attended Central School and St. Charles Academy, where she graduated in 1947. She won a Lion’s Club Music Scholarship to McNeese State College. Josie worked at Chennault Air Force Base for several years. When she found out that McNeese State College had opened a Nursing Program, she returned to school to fulfill her lifelong ambition to become a registered nurse. Her whole life was devoted to this endeavor. She worked at Memorial Hospital for many years and upon retirement from there, she worked at the McNeese State University Infirmary. She retired from there in February 1995. She was a blessing to many as a prayer warrior and was a person of deep faith. Josie was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir for many years. She also participated in the McNeese Annual Messiah Chorus for twenty-five years. She cared for her mother and father until their death. Her joyous spirit was always uplifting to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Mary DiGiglia; sister, Bert Marcello; brothers-in-law, Dr. Luke Marcello and Anthony Fertitta; and nephews, Dr. Leo Marcello and Sam Marcello.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Beatrice Fertitta; nieces, Barbara Diamond and husband Pat, Donna Fertitta, Ann Governale and husband Gary, and Mary Jane Doise and husband Dennis; nephews, Anthony Fertitta, Jr. and wife Sandra, Michael J. Fertitta, and Chris Marcello; along with ten great-nieces and great-nephews.

Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 14, 2016 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Monday at the funeral home from 8:00 AM to 9:40 AM.

The family is greatful to Jan Jacobs and all the staff, caretakers and cherished friends at the Carriage House. Also many thanks to Heart of Hospice for the care so lovingly given to her during her final days.