Obituary of Josie Toldo

(Barbara) Josephine TOLDO

(nee Specht)

June 1, 1927 - September 12, 2024

After 97 years, Josie passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, in the sunny, morning hours of Sept. 12, 2024. Josie was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. Josie is survived by her loving son Tony and his wife Michele, her daughter Donna and husband Tom Curlin, their families, and many nephews and nieces.

Born to German-Russian parents who came to Canada in 1913, Barbara Josephine Specht was born in Ford City, Ontario almost a century ago, before the Great Depression. The youngest of nine children, she was born on Cadillac St to parents George and Anna (Annie) Specht. She was raised on Drouillard Rd. with her siblings Michael, George, John, Victor, Joseph, Andrew, Madelyn and Rose Marie, where her father could walk to work at the Ford assembly plant.

While still a teenager, the blue-eyed, fair-skinned beauty met the charming and handsome Italian immigrant who would soon steal her heart, and ask her to share her life with his. It was October of 1945, when Josie at 18 years of age, and Tony at the age of 20, began their adventurous life together.

Their first milestone came along the following year, with the birth of their first child Donna. Nine years later, when living in their 2-bedroom apartment on Walker Rd, their son Tony was born.

Wanting more space for their growing family, they moved to Grand Marais Rd, where they loved to spend time hosting parties in the basement, and on the pool deck, with family and friends.

It is said that behind every great man, there is a great woman. Josie was the embodiment of that great woman. Her belief in her husband, her encouragement for him in his quests, and her unwavering support of his goals and dreams, helped their family create success in their lives. As the matriarch of the Toldo family, and the Toldo Foundation, her legacy will live on through the many organizations she supported.

Out of all their successes however, the accomplishment nearest to Josie’s heart was her family. Her grandchildren Jennifer, Lesley, Amanda, Marcus and Matthew filled her with pride and joy. She was later blessed with four great-grandchildren.

Ever stylish, Josie was a woman of discerning taste, enjoying fashion, cooking and spending time with family and friends. Having been a member of Beach Grove for over 56 years, Josie golfed and played bridge with close friends for many years.

An ever-present cornerstone of her life, Josie had great Faith which helped her through her toughest times, most notably after losing her beloved husband Tony in 2009. Not a day went by after his passing that she did not feel his loss.

For many years, Josie has been supported through the kindness and assistance of their helpers Romeo and Anita, whose love and devotion have allowed her to remain in her home through her later life.

We would like to thank the many medical professionals who helped Josie reach this remarkable age, including the late Dr. Michael Ziter, and Dr. Dale Ziter her family doctors. We would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Bayshore Health Care, in helping her live her later life at home. The last chapter of her life could not have been as comfortable as it was, without the support and care of the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. Their remarkable staff made her feel comfortable and taken care of. Heart-felt thanks go to her dear friends Carol Derbyshire, Loretta Stoyka, the late Jamie Henderson and Mike and Doreen Solcz for always being there.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME - BANWELL CHAPEL - 11677 Tecumseh Rd E. (519-253-7235), from 2-5pm and 7-9pm. Parish prayers at 4:30pm. A private family funeral Mass will be held. Entombment to follow in the Toldo Family mausoleum at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

In kindness, donations in memory of Mrs. Toldo may be made to The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com