Josephine Victoria (Donato) Nassaney passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025 surrounded by her children. "Josie" lived life joyfully, sharing love and kindness to all who knew her. Her travels took her far and wide, and she had a gift for finding friends wherever she went. But through all of life's adventures, her heart was always at home in Rhode Island, surrounded by the family and friends she loved so dearly.

Josie was born on July 12, 1929, in Central Falls, RI, to Antoun "Tony" Donato (deceased 1977) and Eugenia "Jenny" (Fahmy) Donato (deceased 1994). She lived her life in Central Falls and was a lifelong member of St. Basil's Byzantine Melkite Church in Lincoln, RI. It was here, growing up in a close-knit Syrian household and community, that Josie learned to make all the delicious dishes she became so well known for. Josie was deeply devoted to her brothers, Basil (deceased 2017) and Michael Donato (deceased 2024), who supported her throughout her life and cherished her as a second mother. Faith and family were the heart of her life, and she gave generously of her time, talents, and treasures to St. Basil's, a community that meant so much to her.

On November 15, 1953, Josie married Joseph "Joe" Nassaney (deceased 2004) at St. Basil's Church. "Jo" and "Joe" shared 50 wonderful years together: building their home in Central Falls, raising four children, working at Nayco stores, spending summers at their beach house near Rocky Point, enjoying Pompano Beach during the winters, and traveling the world. Of all God's blessings, none shone brighter than the years shared with their ten grandchildren.

More recently, Josie started another chapter of her life when she moved to St. Elizabeth's Assisted Living facility in Providence. Never one to miss out on a game or activity, she was a wiz at bingo, dominos and cards. As she had done her entire life, she immediately made friends and was welcomed and loved by all the residents and staff.

She is survived by four children: Michael Nassaney (Nadine) of South Haven, MI; Kathryn "Kathy" Johnston (Jim) of Stuart, FL/ Narragansett; Patricia "Patty" Deasy (John) Napa, CA; and Barbara Joseph (Andrew) Newton, MA; ten grandchildren: Lauren Winsor (Brad), Kathryn Lord (Ryan), Elizabeth Kimmelman (Andy), Patrick Deasy (Haruna), Andrew Nassaney (Fatima), Meghan Frost (Eric), Emily Deasy (Aldo), Alexander Nassaney (Kayla Jones), Westly Joseph, Victoria Joseph and thirteen great-grandchildren: Charlie, Teddy, Ellie, Eloise, Henry, Caroline, Bridget, Jamie, Clare, Benny, Abby, Astrid, Torrey; and nieces Michelle Ficocelli and Melanie Donato and nephew Tony Donato.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Funeral Service on Tuesday, October 28th at 10:00 AM in St. Basil the Great Church, Skyview Drive, Lincoln. Burial will follow in St. Basil's Cemetery, Cumberland.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 27th from 4:00-7:00 PM in St. Basil the Great Church.

It is more than an understatement to say that Josie lived a full life. She will be missed by so many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in "Josie Nassaney's memory", to St. Elizabeth's Assisted Living , 109 Melrose Street, Providence, RI 02907.