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.