Growing up on Roberta Avenue in Farmingville, I knew her as Mrs. Welsh, mom of my best friend Jay. I have fond memories of her as I would hang out at their house and play video games, or play on the swing set out back, or swim in their pool. She always said hello with a smile, ask me how I was, make me feel welcome. I remember sneaking Planters cocktail peanuts out of the pantry but I'm sure she knew (how could she not). I also remember getting rides from her to Cub Scouts in her Chevy Malibu (or some Chevy) with Jay, Martin Walsh and others. It's been 30 years since I last saw her but I have thought about her over the years. She seemed like a great mom and wife. My thoughts and prayers and with her children, husband and grandchildren. She was a great lady. Dave Edwards

A Loving Tribute from Josephine's Son, Michael

I'm one of the people who was fortunate enough to have known Josephine Welsh for my entire life.

I would have loved to have seen the 30 years before I was born, because with the spirit she had at 72 years and 11 months old, I know there must have been some really good times and a lot of laughs.

From what I understand she always knew she wanted to help people so she started a career in nursing. Luckily for me she took a small break to have children but she eventually went back to helping others. Seeing her in action on the job I know she was an excellent care giver as well as some comic relief for her coworkers on a daily basis.

Looking back over my 43 years with her I feel I'm one of the luckiest people in the world. I was able to see her through my adult eyes and know just how beautiful and caring of a woman she really was. Being a parent myself I know the courage, pain, hope, trust, and most importantly love it takes to raise a family. I'm lucky to have had my Mom and Dad provided me with such a solid foundation to help me become the person I am today.

My mom was a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, mother in-law, grandmother and wonderful and loving nurse. Though her career was cut a short due to the pain she started to experience it never stopped her resolve to love the life she had. 

She was one of the best women I've ever known. When I speak about her to others I always hear something like how funny, spirited, cool, and loving she was. I know she had a positive impact in every room she walked in and life she touched.

Over the past 3 years, moms quality of life slowly dwindled but the one thing that always shined through was her gifted personality and enduring love for others. She was always smiling or cracking a joke about everything. She seemed to have the perfect knack to be a little inappropriate in the most untimely situation but it always felt right in the end.

I will forever love and miss my mother but I know she is in a much better place now and finally resting in peace.

Mom, I am sorry that I was so far away physically but I wasn't emotionally. I will always remember how you cared for us. Thank you for and all the fond memories and the good times you made for all of us. Even in your great suffering you still kept your laughter. That says a lot and is an example of how we should live too. I will miss you very much. I will always love you. Until we meet again.