Josephine M. (Calcagno) Ernst

Josephine M.(Calcagno) Ernst, 85, a resident of Hanson since 2007 passed away on
Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

Born on August 17, 1934 she grew up in Roxbury and was the
daughter of the late Joseph A. Calcagno, Sr. and Pauline J (Miceli) Calcagno. She was
preceded in death by her husbands, the two loves of her life: Robert G. Power, Sr. of 14 years
and Ronald E. Ernst of 43 years, three brothers, one beloved son and one adored
granddaughter.
Jo was the very proud mother of six children; Jeanne (Power) Mann and her husband David of
Whitman, Robert Power, Jr. and his wife Deborah of Whitman, the late Richard Power, his wife
Susan of East Bridgewater, Daniel Ernst of Florida, Julie (Ernst) McBrien and her husband Keith
of Florida and Rhonda-Jo (Ernst) Lewis and her husband Steven of Hanson. She was also
deeply loved and admired by 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and her longtime friend
and sister in law Martha Calcagno of Virginia.
Josephine worked many years at Marion’s Shoes in Whitman, Rockland, Hanover, and
Weymouth. She retired from Level 1 Technologies in Rockland and had many longtime friends
that she kept in touch with after retirement. After a short time, she went right back to work, this
time at Stop and Shop in Halifax as a cashier. She loved to chat with her customers and would
often have a long line because people wanted to stay in her lane to gossip with her.
She loved everyone and made them feel like part of the family. It made her happy to host
holiday get-togethers, cookouts, and feed everyone. Josie (only a few could get away with
calling her this) was famous for her potato salad, her sauce, lasagna, and pink dessert (which
she called by a different name). Jo was so much fun to be around and was known for being
sassy! She loved parties and family weddings and would frequently be found dancing and
enjoying her Pearl Harbor cocktail.
Jo loved the ocean, visiting Castle Island with family and walking along the Cape Cod Canal
and Plymouth Harbor with her husband Ron. An avid Red Sox fan the games were always
playing on the TV when she was not watching Bold and the Beautiful (do not interrupt during her
shows!). Hobbies included bowling, camping, playing the lottery, feeding the birds and loving
her many dogs and cats over the years, most recently her cat Riley.
As she got older, she really enjoyed being surprised with a trip out for breakfast by her children
and grandchildren and would never pass up a chance to go out for steak, fried clams and clam
chowder but dessert was definitely her favorite part of the meal. You could always make her
smile with a good cannoli! Her presence and her hugs will be deeply missed by all. We would
love the opportunity to make her yet another cup of tea…
A celebration of Jo’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
in Josephine’s memory to Webster Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center Activities
Department 56 Webster Street Rockland MA 02370. To send online condolences please visit
www.mackinnonfuneralhomes.com.

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