Josephine Volpe

Josephine (Jammal) Volpe, formerly Josephine Mabardy, 81, of Arlington, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born in Beirut, Lebanon and carried the spirit of her heritage throughout her life through her food, her hospitality, her strength, and the way she welcomed others. When she came to the United States as a young woman, she didn’t just build a home and a family of her own: she helped bring her parents and her brothers and sisters to this country during a time when war made Lebanon dangerous and uncertain. Her life here was rooted in generosity, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to the people she loved.

Josephine worked as a hairdresser throughout her life, a path that eventually led her to open her own salon in Arlington: Danielle’s. There, she and a close network of talented stylists served the community for many years. The salon was more than a business. It was a warm, familiar place where people felt comfortable, heard, and cared for. Many of her clients remained with her for decades because being with her felt like coming home.

She was the daughter of the late Nour and Toufic Jammal, and the sister of Joseph Jammal, Aziz Jammal, Tony Jammal, Hoda Roselli, and Elie Jammal. She was predeceased by her brothers Joseph and Aziz, by her first husband, Michael C. Mabardy, who was the father of her children, and by her husband, Julio T. Volpe.

Josephine leaves behind her children Charlie Mabardy and his wife Julia, Emile Mabardy and his wife Judy, David Mabardy, and Michelle Mabardy Ruggles. She is also survived by her stepchildren Robert Volpe and Paula Rossetti and her husband Jimmy Rossetti.

She was predeceased by her sister-in-law from her first marriage, Mary Mabardy, her late husband Michael’s sister, whom Josephine lovingly cared for after Michael’s passing.

Affectionately known as "Tataphine", she was beloved by her grandchildren Taylor Booze,Cristen Mabardy, Laila Mabardy, Victoria Mabardy, Dylan Mabardy, Josephine Ruggles, and Ozzie Ruggles and her step-grandchildren - Devin Volpe, Jesse Rossetti, Jay Rossetti, and Dana Rossetti. She leaves behind her great-grandchildren, including Logan and Evelyn Booze, and Olive Rossetti, who carry her spirit forward into the next generation.

Before Alzheimer’s touched her own life, she had already cared for Julio through his struggle with the same illness. She faced her later years with the same strength she showed during his.

Josephine was strong-willed and steady, but she also knew how to enjoy life. At any gathering she brought energy, laughter, and the kind of dancing rooted in Middle Eastern traditions. Her home was always open with food on the stove, a place to sit, and a genuine welcome for anyone who walked through her door. She lived with a depth of heart, culture, and character that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Visiting hours will be held at DeVito Funeral Home 1145 Massachusetts Ave. Arlington Monday December 8, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Josephine's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church 32 Medford St. Arlington Tuesday December 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Josephine will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine’s memory may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, supporting research dedicated to preventing and curing Alzheimer’s Disease.

To send flowers to Josephine's visiting hours, please go to https://www.devitofuneralhomes.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?page=1