With profound gratitude for her life and heartbreak at her passing, we share the loss of our most treasured and beloved Josephine Genevieve (Donlan) McCoole, who peacefully departed this life at the age of 96.

Josephine passed away on June 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and held with grace and compassion. Beloved wife of the late Francis J. McCoole, she was the cherished matriarch of a large and loving family whose legacy spans five generations.

Born in Quincy on September 17, 1928, to Martin and Josephine Donlan, Josephine was raised in Dorchester and was one of ten siblings. She is survived by her cute baby sister, Geraldine Robbins of Falmouth. Josephine later made Rockland her lifelong home, where she raised her family and quietly shaped her community through a lifetime of service and kindness.

She began her career as a telephone operator with New England Tel & Tel and later worked as a printer at New England Art in Abington, where she continued to lend her talents even after retirement. Her tireless spirit, sharp wit, and unmistakable laugh left an indelible mark wherever she went.

A devoted community member and avid Bingo player, Josephine was instrumental in bringing the Rockland Senior Center to life and served there with great heart. She was also an active member of the VFW and its Auxiliary, supported programs for Gold Star Wives, and was a proud member of the Red Hat Society—embracing its spirit of sisterhood, humor, and living life colorfully, just as she always did.

Affectionately known by more nicknames than we can count, Josephine was truly one of a kind. No matter what name you used, everyone always knew exactly who you were talking about—the funniest, most fun-loving person whose warmth and laughter could put anyone at ease. Fondly called “Aunt” by 63 nieces and nephews, she was everyone’s favorite—a great listener, a trusted confidante, and a true friend.

She was always up for a late-night chat—whether reminiscing about the past, laughing over good times, or offering heartfelt reflections on life and family—and if there was a little Jameson involved, even better. That was Josephine at her best. She had a gift for turning simple conversations into cherished memories.

She had an innate ability to make everyone feel seen, loved, and uniquely valued—a spark that led to lifelong friendships and unforgettable bonds. Her humor was bold, her zest for life contagious, and her presence nothing short of electric. To say she will be deeply missed is an understatement.

Josephine was predeceased by her son, Peter McCoole of Rockland. She is survived by her loving children: Kathleen Fahey of Pembroke; Maureen “Mossy” Reardon and her husband David of Abington; Linda VanEtta of Hanson; Mary Miller and her husband Carlton of Hanson; and Francis J. McCoole Jr. of Rockland.

Her love stretched across five generations. She was a devoted grandmother to 15, and perhaps nothing brought her more joy than her role as great-grandmother to 13 and great-great-grandmother to 3. Her great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart—they were her pride, her joy, and the source of endless laughter and light in her final years. The closeness they shared with her, even at such young ages, is a testament to the kind of love only she could give.

Josephine brought a light so bright to this world, and it now lives on in the family she loved so fiercely. As we honor her legacy, we will carry that light forward—through laughter, love, and the way we care for one another.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josephine’s memory to the Robert J. Nyman Rockland Senior Center, 317 Plain St, Rockland, MA 02370.

Our family would be deeply grateful if you would share your favorite memory or story of Josephine by emailing [email protected]. While we welcome stories before her celebration of life, we also hope you’ll continue to share them in the months and years to come. We plan to revisit them on her birthday, at the holidays, and on the days we miss her most—so her spirit and stories continue to live on.

A Funeral Mass will be held in the Holy Family Church in Rockland on Monday June 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM.