Josephine Beatrice Lear

"United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VQNP-TPX : 20 May 2014), Josephine Beatrice Higgins, 03 Aug 2011; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).

HIGGINS, JOSEPHINE BEATRICE LEAR August 19, 1914 to August 3, 2011 Josephine was born in Easton, Pennsylvania to Guiseppi and Grace Paluso on August 19, 1914. She was one of eight children, one sister and six brothers who have preceded her in passing. She married Milton Lear in 1941. They had one son, Fred Lear. The family relocated from Pennsylvania to San Diego, California in 1946 to join other family members who had previously established roots here. Milton passed away in 1967 after a courageous fight against cancer. She subsequently married Guilford Higgins in 1970 and helped raise two of his sons, Thomas and Bill, and became a second mother to Gil's other children, Lee, Kae and John. Guilford subsequently passed away in 1991. Jo worked for Omar Rendering as the Office Manager and Accountant for well over 20 years. After retirement, she was a 35-year daily volunteer with the Salvation Army Nutrition Program in Chula Vista until 2006 when she relinquished her duties at age 92. During her volunteer service she received the San Diego County Volunteer of the Year award and numerous other awards for her work with the Salvation Army. She attended Mass daily, first at St. Rose of Lima in Chula Vista and then at Church of the Most Precious Blood, also in Chula Vista. She was a 40-year resident of Chula Vista. In 2006, she relocated to Blossom Valley to live with her son Fred and daughter-in-law Sharon. She subsequently lived the last year of her life at the Alpine View Lodge where she was lovingly cared for by the staff at this residential care facility. She will forever be remembered as a wonderful grandmother to Randy Lear and his wife, Nicole and their children, Alissa and Ethan, and to 21 step grandchildren. Her strong Catholic belief and "others first" attitude will be missed and never forgotten by the many people whom she touched during her 96 years with her wonderful and caring nature. A Rosary will be held on Monday, August 8th, at 7 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey, 753 Broadway Chula Vista, CA 91910 and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 9th, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of The Most Precious Blood, 1245 4th Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the LakeView Home, Sharp Hospice Care, P.O.Box 158, La Mesa, CA 91944.

Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Aug. 7, 2011