Josephine C. Tapella

Herrin--Josephine C. Tapella, 82, of Herrin, died Saturday, May 16, 2009. Miss Tapella was born on November 18, 1926 in Herrin to John & Maria (Calcaterra) Tapella. She worked as a seamstress and garment inspector at Smoler Brothers Dress Factory in Herrin. Miss Tapella was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and a former member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She had a vivid imagination and a quick sense of humor. She enjoyed baking and had a special talent for rum cakes. She is sadly missed by her brother, Charles O. Tapella; brother-in-law, Charles A. Spezia; nephew Carl Spezia and wife Beth; all of Herrin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Palmira Tapella Spezia. The family wishes to express our gratitude to Dr. Jeffrey Parks, Monsignor Ken Schaefer, and Sr. Marciana Heimann, ASC. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until time of service, Tuesday, at Our Lady of Mt. Catholic Church in Herrin. Funeral arrangements were made at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Adorers Retirement Fund at Ruma for the nuns, and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948.