THE REAL OBITUARY

Josie passed away on July 16th, 2023, at the age of 63.  Josie had been diagnosed with ALS on December 23, 2020, and fought valiantly for 31 months before dying peacefully at her home in Toronto Yorkville, known as the city with a “River in its Heart.”

For the last 11 years, Josie had lived with Roberto “Rob” Carbone, a man she had known and loved dearly.  As Josie entered the most difficult part of ALS, her wish was for Rob to be her sole caregiver as she entrusted and had faith in his ability to properly care for her.  Rob was unconditionally devoted and honored her wishes by selflessly dedicating all his time to keeping that promise during her last 31 months.

When ALS took away both her motor skills and then finally her ability to communicate through speech, Josie found her way to communicate with friends and family with an Eye-Gaze computer. She, with the aid of this special computer, continued her passion in life which was to help people deal with their mental health challenges.  Josie continued to educate herself by taking many additional mental health courses and she graduated with honors “Summa Cum Laude" scoring a GPA of 3.69.

Josie was closely associated with and supported “National Alliance on Mental Illness” (NAMI), “Mental Health Innovations” (MHI), “Mental Health America” (MHA), “Child Mind Institute” & "Brain and Behavior Research Foundation". Josie made a special request for Rob to continue her work in mental health philanthropy by hiring advocates to fight for mental health awareness and reducing the stigma associated with it.  Rob will do this by keeping alive her organization, JPD Ventures  where her motto was "Never Lose Hope".

Josie is also survived by her best friend, Grace. Josie also leaves behind her two children, Sam (Veronica) and Danielle (Corey). Josie was a proud Nonna to her grandchildren and life treasures - Arielle and Matteo, and a third grandchild, a new baby girl from Danielle that has just arrived. She had been pre-named Jullietta and was also given Josie's middle name, Patricia. Josie has two brothers Mario (Lucy) and Vince (Corrina). Her parents, Rose and Vincent Di Lisi predeceased her. Also, found continuously by her side during her trials and tribulations were Josie’s two precious fur babies, Burke and Bhodi whose loyal companionship gave her immense joy and affection.

Things Josie personally loved:  Traveling; Walking; Singing and listening to Christian music; Dancing; Painting; Reading inspirational books; Writing; and lastly, watching Heartfelt and Tearjerker Movies. Josie embraced mindfulness and creative activities which included Scrapbooking with Mixbook. 

It is a blessing for Josie that she is now free from the ravaging effects of ALS that had debilitated her for so long.  Josie was an incredibly strong woman with the spirit of a lion but the heart of a lamb. She gave deeply to the community through her commitment to easing the pain and suffering of people who battle mental health issues and problems. She will forever be missed by all.

 Josie wanted to share with everyone is this: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord for gave you.  

One final thought  that Josie often said, "Miracles can happen''.  This song from Matthew West "Walking Miracles"  inspired her during her battle, and she wants you all to believe miracles can happen.  Josie always said, "Rob is my miracle who once I was diagnosis with ALS, selflessly took care of all of my needs". 

OBITUARY ENDS HERE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS & SUPPORT.