KEARNS, Josephine Evalina - Passed to a better place after a valiant fight, with her loving family by her side, on March 14, 2007. Jo also know as Beb, a native Santa Rosan born in 1929, is survived by her daughter Linda Aguire (David), son Robert (Brenda), four granddaughters and seven great grandchildren; her siblings Joseph Malugani (Carson City), Aurelia Thompson (Whitefish), Sue Long (Lucerne) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert H. Kearns II in 1996 and her brother Richard. She leaves behind her best friend and dance partner Bud Maccario. Jo and Bob were founding members of the original Farmers Market, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables from the home place. Jo was known for her fabulous garlic braiding. She continued to give by volunteering for more than 10 years at the Santa Rosa Senior Center, managing the thrift shop, where along with other volunteers they made it a great funding source for the center. You could always find her and Bob at the center's afternoon dances. Jo volunteered at the Konocti Girl Scout Shop and then went to help the Catholic Charity Center at the Old General Hospital, from 1992 until she became too ill to work. Jo helped at the Sebastopol Holy Ghost Hall in Sebastopol during their events, and while on breaks you could find her and Bud on the dance floor gliding to every beat. Josephine was a member of the Moose Lodge and past member of the Saucy Squares. Jo will be missed by everyone she touched. Friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at Santa Rosa Memorial Park, 1900 Franklin Ave, Santa Rosa. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 16, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES, 1225 Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa. If desired donations in her memory may be made to Sutter VNA & Hospice, 1110 N Dutton Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4606.
Published in the Press Democrat on 3/16/2007.