Josephine Rita Arico

A celebration of the life of Giuseppina "Josephine" Rita Arico will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 15, 2016 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church under the direction of Hayhurst Funeral Home. Josephine will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and continuing at St. Benedict’s from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Rosary will be held at St. Benedict's on Wednesday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. Josephine was born on June 20, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York to Pasquale and Annunziata (Carita) Arico. Josephine graduated from Mother Cabrina High School. Josephine worked as a Clerical Staff Administrator for Metropolitan Life. Josephine is survived by her beloved son, Peter Thornton and his wife Susan (Stutsman) Thornton; grandchildren Grace Ann and Brian Schroeder, Anthony Thornton and Joseph Thornton; and her sister, Stella Marie Fryer of North Stonington, Connecticut. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, Pasquale and Annunziata Arico, and sister Concetta Beraducci. Josephine had many "joys in life." Josephine loved to cook. She was a great cook and was true to her Italian heritage, making delicious Italian meals for her family and friends. Josephine was an avid gardener, growing many of her own vegetables and spices, and she loved flowers, especially her roses. Josephine loved singing and was a long time member of the church choir. She performed in a clown troop, entertaining the elderly in nursing homes. One of Josephine's greatest joys was praying for others. She started the prayer circle at St. Benedict's, receiving countless requests for people in need. Josephine's greatest joy in life was family, friends, and the children she cared for. Josephine was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved children and, after retiring from MetLife, started a day care in her home. Josephine was one of the first teachers at St. Benedict's Mother's Day Out program. She taught religious education at the convent to 2nd grade children, preparing them for First Communion, and she was a preschool teacher at St. Benedict’s for many years. Josephine loved her church family and was involved in anything and everything involving St. Benedict’s. She was a loving mother and grandmother figure to many at church. Josephine was a founding member at The Church of St. Benedict. She was the first Tulsa Diocesan Woman of the Year, which was an honor awarded her for her outstanding works and achievements in the Diocese. Memorials may be made to: St. Benedict’s Seminarian Fund, The Church of St. Benedict, 2200 W. Ithica St., Broken Arrow, OK 74012.

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Josephine Rita Arico

June 20, 1930 - December 12, 2016