Josephine Germano

Josephine Marie (Serge) Germano was born in Reggio-Calabria, Italy on October 1, 1922. She immigrated to Mishawaka, IN in 1926 from Pennsylvania with her father and mother, Frank Serge and Mary (DeMarco) Serge. Preceded by her parents, and her sisters and brothers, Frances (Serge) Catanzarite, Rose Serge, Joseph Serge and Patrick Serge. She is survived by a sister, Annette (Serge) Kubasik of South Bend, IN.

She was a lifelong member of Saint Monica’s Parish and resident of Mishawaka, IN. She graduated from MHS and 1 year of business school where she began her interests in reading, music, sewing, community activities, and sports, especially her participation in track. Later she would avidly follow the participation of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their school athletics, academics and theatrical endeavors. 

Jo was always active in serving her family and especially devoted to her children. Nancy (John Kromkowski of Batlimore, MD), Rosemary (Charles Crowell of South Bend), Anthony (Joann) of South Bend, Joseph (Michelle) of Mishawaka. Her grandchildren are John David (Julie) Kromkowski of Baltimore, MD, Charles A. (Anne) Kromkowski of Charlottesville, VA, Stephen P. (Kellie) Kromkowski of South Bend, Mark A. (Christina) Kromkowski of Chicago, IL, Christopher (Traci) Crowell of Winter Springs, FL, Brian (Mary) Crowell of Long Island, NY, Sarah (Patrick) Berges of Fairfield, CT, Nicole Germano of San Francisco, CA, Anthony (Courtney) Germano of Osceola, Joseph (Johnna) Germano of Redondo Beach, CA, and Michael Germano of Cincinnati, OH. In addition, Josephine had 22 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, as well as grand-nieces and nephews.

Jo worked in banking, retail sales and retired after 18 years in government work. She enjoyed volunteering in Parent Association at St Monicas, St Joseph High School and Marian High School.

She maintained an active schedule of monthly meetings with St Monica’s Rosary Circle where she enjoyed playing card games. Her interest in local and national elections and services, traveling to visit her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and joining tours, especially those related to music, sports and theatre. She was very devoted and dedicated to her family and always loved being with them any chance she could. A fierce and determined independent woman – she had a strong spirit and call things as she saw them. An avid shopper and seamstress, she was always well dressed and graceful in her appearance. Josephine also enjoyed gardening, especially caring for her roses and marigolds. She was a big fan of Notre Dame football and basketball and a constant and excellent armchair quarterback and coach. As her ability to attend events became strained her strong views and elegant presence were always part of family celebrations. Jo always looked forward to attending Sunday Mass followed by breakfast with her sister, niece and friends. She will be greatly missed. 

A special thank you to Dr Alice Lusk and Jodi for their compassion and kindness. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 23 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Avenue, Mishawaka with a visitation one hour prior to the mass with Monsignor Bill Schooler officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Friends may also visit with the family from 2:00-4:00 pm and  6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Palmer Funeral Home-Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka. 

Contributions in memory of Josephine may be given to St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Avenue, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.