Giuseppa "Josey" Raco, age 89, of Livonia, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2023.

Giuseppa was born November 24, 1933, in Italy, to the late Francesco Mantegna and Immacolata Romeo. She met her future husband Paolo Raco in 1955, in their hometown of Cirella di Plati in Reggio Calabria, Italy.   Giuseppa and Paolo were married one year later on October 1, 1956. Together they worked very hard on their properties and taking care of their livestock. At one point, Giuseppa had to work the land alone and take care of her children while her husband worked in Northern Italy. In 1972, with four kids and one on the way, boarded a ship to New York to the land of opportunity to have a better life. Thankfully, her sister Maria and brother-in-law Francesco were already in America and helped them get situated. Josey was a hard worker and worked various jobs knowing very little English. In 1991, they moved from Redford to Livonia and were able to enjoy retirement together. She was a great cook and enjoyed preparing traditional Italian meals for everyone.

Giuseppa is survived by her dear husband of 66 years, Paolo Raco; beloved children, Caterina (Giuseppe) Garreffa, Francesco Raco, Giuseppina (Danny) Mihajlovski, and Lucia Brutto; loving sister, Maria (Francesco) Perri; dearest grandchildren, Maria (Raffaele)Assunta, Bruno, Daniele, Michela, Angelina, Anthony, and Sean; loved great-grandchildren, Salvatore, Alessia, Martina, Gianna, ILaria, Sofia, and Giuseppe; many beloved nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.  Sadly, she is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Maria Raco (D. 12/9/01); and dear brothers, Antonio Mantegna and Bruno Mantegna.

The Raco family will receive guests at Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, 23720 Farmington Road, Farmington, MI 48336, Tuesday, July 25, 3-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, July 26, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23815 Power Road, Farmington, Michigan at 10 am (in state 9:30 am).

Please keep the Raco family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.