Josephine Persica

Funeral services for Josephine Graffagnino Persica will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021 in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, La.  Deacon Sammy Diesi will conduct the service.  Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at 2:00 p.m.  A Rosary will be prayed at 1:30 p.m.

Mrs. Josephine Graffagnino Persica, age 104, and native of Opelousas, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2021 in Baton Rouge, La.

Josephine was a simple, humble woman who was most happy when she could cook and bake for her family and friends, especially meatballs and fig cookies.  She enjoyed looking through old photos and sharing her memories with people.  She liked to walk outside to enjoy the plants, and watch the birds, squirrels, and hummingbirds.  She enjoyed reading, coloring and watching Jeopardy.  She especially loved her birthday parties where she got see many friends.  Her Catholic Faith and her family were the two most important things to her.  She prayed for everyone every day. She was a member of the Bona Fidem Ladies Auxiliary and volunteered at Prompt Succor Nursing Home.

She is survived by her son, Manuel Persica, Jr. and wife, Camellia of Jarreau, LA; daughter, Christine Leger and husband, Fred of Baton Rouge, LA; grandchildren, Michelle and Manuel "Boo" Persica and his wife, Bethany, and Sarah and Thomas Leger; great-grandchildren, Brandon and Brett Persica.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel A. Persica, Sr.; her parents, Frank Graffagnino, Sr. and Rosa Graffagnino; her sister, Rosalie Graffagnino Pepitone; her brothers, Vincent Graffagnino, Pete Graffagnino, Charles Graffagnino, Anthony "Tony" Graffagnino, Joseph "Joe" Graffagnino and Frank "Jr." Graffagnino.

Pallbearers will be her son, Manuel Persica, Jr.; grandsons, Manuel "Boo" Persica, Thomas Leger; granddaughter, Michelle Persica, great-grandsons, Brandon Persica and Brett Persica.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mrs. Persica's honor to St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery Historical Restoration Project.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.