Obituary of Josephine O. Walrod

MILFORD, CONN Josephine Olive Walrod, age 101 of Milford, beloved wife of the late Robert Redmond Walrod, entered peaceful rest on Sunday, July 28, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Rocco and Julia (Pucillo) Lauria and was born on January 27, 1923 in Staten Island, NY. Josephine started her career as a comptometer operator in New York and working in accounting for F. D. Rich in Stamford. Josie will always be remembered for her fabulous tap dancing. Although she did not get to fulfill her dream of being a Rockette she was so proud of winning the Major Bowes Amateur Hour in 1937 with her group “Three Rhythm Girls” Josephine is survived by her three devoted daughters, Deborah Murray, Barbara Smith and Marion Elliott (George), six grandchildren, Jessica Brewer (Tom), Lindsay Bernardini (Steve), Kelly Smith, Julia Ziegler (Rick), Dana Elliott and Michael Murray (Sarah) and eight great grandchildren, Jason, Robby, Jacob, Rocco, Johnathan, Jamie, Maddy and Ella. She also leaves her two sisters, Jean McNamara and Doris McCahill, and her cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Adeline Territo, Vincent Lauria, Pat Lauria and Rita Baeszler. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish), 70 Gulf Street, Milford. Interment to follow in Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport. Family and friends may call from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. prior to the mass at the GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT AVENUE, MILFORD. Memorial contributions may be made in Josephine's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.