NORTHBOROUGH / NEWTON

Josephine Mary (DiMauro) Napoli, 99, of Northborough, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on May 24, 1926, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Josephine was the daughter of Antonio and Venera (Nicolosi) DiMauro, who immigrated from Sicily to build a life and family in America. Her family hailed from the Sicilian towns of Motta Sant’Anastasia and Aci Sant’Antonio, a heritage she carried proudly throughout her life, even displaying a Sicilian flag sticker on her car well into her later years.

She is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and Barry Reil, whose loving care and companionship enriched her later years. She is also survived by her beloved brother, A.J. DiMauro; her grandchildren Christina Young and her husband Brent, Dr. Jennifer Simpson and her husband Keith, and Brian Reil and his wife Lauren Byerly; and her great-grandchildren, Julie Anne Glowac, Kathryn Simpson, and Trevor Glowac. Josephine took great joy in knowing that Brian and Lauren’s first child would be joining the family in July. She also leaves behind her godson, Gary DiMauro, and several nieces and nephews.

Josephine was predeceased by her son, Anthony Napoli; her husband, George Napoli; and her brother, Girolamo “Jerry” DiMauro, and his wife, Rose “Bunny” DiMauro.

She treasured her visits to Sicily, where she enjoyed spending time with her first cousins and watching their families grow over the years.

Josephine spent many years in Newton, Mass., before moving to Northborough in 2004 to be closer to family. Independent, determined, and endlessly curious, she approached life with resilience and practicality. Her philosophy was simple: “Take life one day at a time, do the best you can, and move on.” She believed that every day was a gift from God and often reminded others to enjoy the good times and “deal with” the difficult ones because “this too shall pass.”

Throughout her life, Josephine believed strongly in keeping both her mind and body active. She loved learning and took night classes simply for the joy of discovery. Using her hands and keen attention to detail, she worked as a hairdresser, soldered components at Raytheon, and went on to become a jewelry salesperson at Filene’s and Macy’s in Newton. After moving to Northborough, she used her jewelry background to help establish the jewelry cart at the local senior center.

Josephine was deeply social and engaged with the world around her. She was known as a great listener who always gave sound advice. She loved theater, museums, music, gardening, walking, and dining out—especially trips to her favorite Chinese restaurant. She sang in church choirs throughout her life in Lawrence, Newton, Northborough, and Limestone, Maine. Josephine remained a devoted Catholic whose faith quietly guided her through life’s joys and hardships alike.

She was also fiercely independent and endlessly resourceful. If she wanted something done, she often did it herself—whether refinishing hardwood floors, tending her garden, or figuring out how something worked simply because she needed to know why. She drove until age 90, managed her own finances into her 90s, took swimming exercise classes in her 80s, and enthusiastically participated in activities after entering assisted living at age 92. Josephine never considered herself old; to her, age was simply a state of mind.

In her 80s, Josephine discovered a talent for painting while taking an introductory art class. Her family now treasures the many paintings she created and generously shared with them.

Josephine loved jazz music and especially adored Frank Sinatra. His song “My Way” reflected much about how she lived—with strength, independence, humor, and dignity.

Above all else, family meant everything to her. Phone calls, visits, celebrations, and simple time together brought her enormous joy. Her resilience, curiosity, humor, faith, and enduring love for her family will remain with all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15th, at Saint Rose of lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. Josephine will then be laid to rest in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence. There are no public calling hours.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care shown to Josephine by the nurses and staff at Whitney Place during her stay. Her family respectfully request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Josephine’s name be directed to the activities program at Whitney Place Assisted Living, Attn: Activities Account, 238 W. Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532.

Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.