Josephine was born on November 3, 1929 in Detroit to Anita and Luigi Lepri. She worked for J.L. Hudson as a bookkeeper before she married the love of her life, Walter Cornacchini. Together they had three children: Ronald, Robert and Renee. Tragically, Walter died in 1970 leaving Josephine to raise her three children alone. At a time when women rarely worked outside the home, she went back to work to support her family. She dedicated her life to raising her children, a job she did exceptionally well. Once her last child left the nest, she was married for the second time to a wonderful man, Valentino Colantoni. Val and Jo enjoyed over 20 years together; living in Florida and Michigan and traveling the world. She became an exceptional caregiver to Val in the last years of his life.

Ask her grandchildren and they will tell you there was no one prouder of her Italian heritage. She expressed her love through her food and they have a lifetime of memories of eating her delicious Italian dishes. (Homemade ravioli, gnocchi, her soups and sauces and polenta on the table were a few favorites.) Meals were always followed with playing a mean game of dominoes. Her grandchildren are forever grateful for the food, fun and memories spent at “Nonie’s table”.

Surviving Josephine are her children: Ronald and Betty Cornacchini, Robert and Carey Cornacchini and Renee and Chris Lauderback. Her grandchildren: Nicholas and Molly Cornacchini, Anthony Cornacchini, Riley Cornacchini, Christian Lauderback and Jack Lauderback. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jerry and Deanna Gross, sister-in-law, Barb Lepri and cousin Druida Lilli.

She is predeceased by her husbands: Walter Cornacchini and Val Colantoni. Parents: Anita and Luigi Lepri. Brothers: Gino and Ron Lepri.

Services celebrating Josephine’s life: Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 28, from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. rosary service at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. She will lie in state on Wednesday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of her funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Rugiero Promise Foundation, 2220 N. Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48187 or online rpromisefund@yahoo.com