Josephine Klem passed away at her Port Washington home on Dec. 13.
Born on Sept. 18, 1916, she was 97 and a life-long resident of Port Washington, and as such was delighted to be known as a “clam digger.”
Her parents, Rosa and Antonio Giresi, came to America via Ellis Island as children, met in New York City, married there and moved to Port in early 1910.
Josephine was predeceased by her first husband, Harry J. DeMeo, to whom she was married for 25 years, and by her late husband William Klem, to whom she was married 21 years.
She was the devoted mother of JoAnn Padow (David) and Thomas DeMeo, and the adoring grandmother of Alexandra Padow, all of whom survive her. She is also survived by her sister Jane Coffrini of Lewisville, TX, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Peter of Alcantara R.C. Church on Dec. 19, followed by burial at Nassau Knolls Cemetery.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt and friend, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
