Josephine Berezo 1928-2025

Jo was born Dec. 16, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, to her Spanish immigrant parents. She was the youngest of six living siblings.

She grew up on her parent’s farm in Pellston, Michigan, where she did her best to keep up with her nephews, with whom she was raised and with whom she enjoyed many adventures on the farm … some safer than others!

Jo met the love of her life, Lalo Berezo, in Detroit, where they married on June 30, 1950.

They then moved to Lalo’s hometown of Youngstown, where they raised their three sons, Frank, Michael and Lalo, who were their pride and joy.

Lalo and Jo spent nearly 65 wonderful years together before Lalo passed away on Jan. 3, 2015.

Jo worked for close to 18 years as a cashier and in the bakery at Value King 224. In addition, she had a home bakery business where she baked and sold cookies, including her unmatched clothespin cookies!

But as celebrated as these cookies may have been, she will forever be remembered for the beautiful cakes she made for her many nieces, and then for her granddaughters for their birthdays! Some of these cakes boasted castles with moats and guards to protect them.

These labors of love were just one tangible expression of the love Jo had for her family. She could always be counted on to lend a compassionate ear, engage in meaningful conversation and perhaps share a copa or two!

Jo’s entire life was characterized by her devotion to her family, her warmth and kindness, and of course, her competitive spirit that showed up in endless games of dominoes or when cheering on her sons and grandkids in their many athletic successes.

Jo is survived by her son, Frank, and his wife, Mary Lou; as well as her son, Lalo, and his wife Mary.

Her legacy of love lives on through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever remember her as a source of joy, fun and endless support. She was beloved Grandma Jo to Scott, Jaimie, Alison, Matthew (Colleen), Nicole, Daane (Marina) and Jodie; and GiGi to her great-grandchildren, Gavin and Griffyn Daughtry, and Beau Berezo.

She joins her precious family members who have passed before her, including her husband, Lalo; her son, Michael; and her parents, Manuel and Josefa Garcia. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Joe, Manuel, Bill, Bernadine and Anita.

Jo’s warm spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. We hope you remember her whenever you enjoy a slice of the “red cake” or sip on a “coffee royal!”

Arrangements are by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.

Contributions in Joesphine’s name may be made to United Cerebral Palsy Heartland, https://ucpheartland.org/give-a-tribute/.

(special notice)