Giuseppina “Josephine, Josie, Jo” M. Pappalardo (nee Balsamo) of Oak Creek, WI, was a caring and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, nonna, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, and neighbor. She was born into eternal life December 26, 2021 at the age of 67.
Jo was born to the late Liborio and Anna Balsamo on December 4, 1954, in Termini, Sicily. At age 12, she immigrated to New York with her parents, surviving brother Phil Balsamo (the late Jenise), and her late brothers Agostino (Diane) and Michael Balsamo. After a short time in New York, the family moved to Milwaukee, WI.
Jo met the love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Pappalardo, at the family restaurant. When Tom first laid eyes on Jo, before even talking to her, he knew that she would be the woman he would marry, it was truly love at first sight. They were married on September 13, 1975.
Tom and Jo had six wonderful children: Joseph (Jaclyn), Christina Villarreal, Michael (Kaylee), Thomas (Rebecca), Angela Perez, and Isabella. Jo’s children were her pride and joy and she loved them unconditionally until her last breath.
As her children grew, got married, and had children of their own, she took on her most honorable title, Nonna. Jo was Nonna to ten amazing grandchildren that adored her: Gabriella, Lilianna, Charlie, Mila, TJ, Tommy, Enzo, Jack, Ariana, and Oliver. She was grateful to help raise, love, and spoil each of her grandchildren, guiding her children along the way with the special maternal techniques and remedies that only she knew in raising a child, passed on to her from her mother, and they will be passed on for generations to come.
Jo’s greatest accomplishment in her life was her family. Nothing brought her more joy than to spend time with her husband, children, and grandchildren whether at home or up north. She loved cooking all her specialty pastas for her family. Not only were there many Sunday dinners at the Pappalardo household with the family, but also during the week. Her children and grandchildren would randomly show up to eat because she never knew how to cook for just a few people, so there would always be enough for everyone. Jo also loved baking Italian cookies. When there was a wedding or big celebration in the family, she along with her sisters-in-law, nieces, and daughters would bake hundreds of cookies for all to enjoy. Every time someone would say there was enough, she would say we needed more.
If there was one word to describe Jo, it would be LOVE. The love she not only had for her family but for everyone. That love is the reason she and her husband Tom welcomed so many people into their home throughout the years. As her parents grew old, she and Tom moved them into their home so she could take care of them until their last days on earth. That love welcomed her brother and sister-in-law to live with them as they transitioned from Texas back to Wisconsin. That love was also given to all her children’s friends as well, as many of them were welcomed with open arms to live with Tom and Jo during difficult times in their lives. Jo would open the door to anyone in need, offer a meal to anyone in need, offer love to anyone in need. It was that love that helped her children grow into the wonderful and caring people that she was so proud of.
Jo’s family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Froedtert Hospital for the care they provided her throughout the last six years. The support she and her family received will always be appreciated.
Visitation on January 3, 2022 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home in South Milwaukee. Mass is scheduled for 11am on January 4, 2022 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Oak Creek.