Josephine J. Ludwig

Josephine J. Ludwig March 11, 1915 - August 08, 2008 Josephine "Honey" Ludwig, 93, of Toledo, passed away peacefully Friday, August 8, 2008, at her son's home. During her last days, she was surrounded by the loving support of her children, grandchildren, and caregivers from Hospice of Northwest Ohio and Comfort Keepers. She was born in Cleveland on March 11, 1915. Her youth was spent in the joyful company of a large extended family in the Murray Hill (Little Italy) section of Cleveland. She fondly remembered the simple fun of that time until the final moments of her life. In 1939, Josephine met the love of her life, Elmer Ludwig. They married in 1941 and shared a beautiful life together for 56 years. Josephine's life was defined by loving care for her family. She gave tirelessly to her husband, especially during his long illness, to her two children and seven grandchildren, and to her own infirm mother and sister. When her children were older, she returned to the world of retail fashion, which she greatly enjoyed, working as a "mystery shopper" for Higbee's department store in Cleveland. She felt she had found the ultimate dream job-getting paid to go shopping. During retirement, Josephine and Elmer enjoyed frequent foreign travel and regular outings with their square-dancing group. They were founding volunteers for the Notre Dame Guild and Chicken Barbeque in Chardon, Ohio, and gave time generously to that endeavor for over 30 years. When Elmer grew ill in 1988, they moved to Toledo to be closer to their son, Dean. During her 19 years in Toledo, Josephine celebrated the births and lives of her seven grandchildren. She lived for time spent with them, and they, in turn, deeply loved Grandma, her playful spirit, and her every attempt to spoil them. Josephine is survived by her two children, Sr. Mary Jo Ludwig, S.N.D. and Dean (Judy) Ludwig, and her seven grandchildren: Todd, John, Dietrich, Owen, Grace, Karl, and Kevin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Ludwig; parents, Anthony and Genevieve Farinacci; sisters, Olga Mandalfino and Marion Dolney; and brothers, Anthony and Robert Farinacci. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. on Monday, August 11th. at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo. Visitation will also be held at Corpus Christi University Parish at 2955 Dorr St., 9-10 a.m., Tuesday morning with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. A private interment service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Josephine J. Ludwig

March 11, 1915 - August 8, 2008