Josephine Chiodini

Herrin-On May 1, 2021, Josephine Bottini Chiodini passed peacefully at the Villas of Holly Brook Reflection/ Memory Care Unit in Harrisburg, Illinois. Her daughters remained at her bedside for seven days until she decided to take her final journey to heaven. 

Josephine was born to Edward and Virginia Bottini on January 1, 1923, in Herrin, Illinois. She graduated from Herrin High School in 1941, earned her LPN license before working with several doctors in the community. She was in the National Youth Typist Association. At the age of 86, she decided to retire from her duties as a LPN/medical coder with Southern Illinois Orthopedic Clinic. Needless to say, Mom enjoyed her work and the fellowship of her co-workers.

On October 6, 1951, Mom married Frank Chiodini at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Herrin, Illinois. Together they shared forty-four years of marriage and raised four children. Mom was never happier than when she had her family near her. She demonstrated her love for each of us in so many ways.

Mom had a curiosity for life and lived it by traveling with her husband or a daughter to Quincy, Illinois, Montana, Nova Scotia, Canada, Yellowstone Park, Glacier Park, and New England.  She was fortunate to connect with extended family in Italy on two separate trips.

Mom was a member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. She was a charter member of the Daughters of Mary.

During her lifetime of work and raising a family, she found time to discover a world of painting. She gifted each of us her oil paintings of landscapes, flowers, and birds.

As Josephine aged and traveling became strenuous, she found comfort in finding new places, new friends, and new stories in books. Her favorite author was Debra McComber. 

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant sister, sisters Mary Bottini Paganini, Caroline Bottini Bazzetta, nephews William Bazzetta and Christopher Paganini, and two dear friends: Rose Cerutti and Louise Samuel.

Her children survive her: Valerie (James) Walund, Janice (Rodney Ritchason) Chiodini, Todd (Sue) Chiodini, and Kathy Jackson. Mom was fortunate to have two grandsons-Gregory Jackson and Garrett Jackson, and four step-grandchildren: Amanda Walund, Holly Walund, Rory Walund, and Rodney Bryant Ritchason II. Also, she is survived by close friends: Barb Manfredini, Anna Mae Headean, Pat Conley, and Janet Worthen.

Mom was our beautiful rose and our guiding star. In her own words, “I’ll see you when I see you.” That you will, Mom; we look forward to our reunion.

Visitation will be held at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, 201 S. 13^th Street, Herrin, Illinois 62948 between 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m on Friday, May 7, 2021 for friends and family. A private burial with the family will take place at San Carlo Cemetery following the visitation.

The family would like to express its deepest gratitude to the memory care staff for its professional care, love, and gentleness towards Mom. The team was her family when her beloved family could not visit her due to COVID guidelines. We want to thank Hospice of Southern Illinois for their compassionate care in easing Mom’s pain and helping her find her way home.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church or the San Carlo Cemetery Association. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home.

For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com