Josephine Hawk

Josephine (Giuseppina) A. Hawk
Josephine Hawk, gracious homemaker, brilliant gardener, generous friend, fabulous chef, and classic beauty entered eternal life on Saturday, March 8th, 2014. She is reunited with her sweetheart, Charles E. Hawk and many of her friends and family. Josie’s legacy is carried on in her three children, Paul Hawk, Christina Hawk-Trenshaw, Anita Hawk-Henry, their spouses Paula Hawk, Tim Trenshaw, and David Henry, her seven grandchildren, Courtney Soldan-Els, Jackson Hawk, Morgan Trenshaw, Ethan Henry, Carter Hawk, Aidan Henry, Olivia Hawk, a host of relatives and friends living both here and in Italy, and her two darling Yorkshire Terriers, Isabelle and Mandy. Giuseppina was born June 17th, 1938 in Pordenone, Italy to Giovanni Battista Poles and Antonia Raffin. From a young age she dreamed of being an opera singer, and her lovely home was host to many of her day-to-day personal concertos. She never missed an opportunity to sing aloud with her favorite songs, even when she attended the Lyric Theatre, to many of the surrounding attendees’ surprise. Her active participation and zest for life will truly be missed from her family that she doted on, to her close friends that she danced with, and every friend she made in between. She grew up during World War II, and went to work as a switchboard operator at the Aviano Air Force Base, where she perfected her English. It was here that she charmed the dashing rogue, Charles Hawk. Charlie left the Air Force, and came back to Italy for his Josie. The two were married on December 5th, 1960 and sailed all the way to Independence, Missouri where they raised their family. Josephine was incredibly proud when she became an American citizen in 1972, and she exercised her right as an American at every opportunity. She was given the nickname, “General Josie”-which couldn’t be more perfect. Her resilience through WWII, her strength at the unexpected death of her husband, and her everyday can-do attitude were admired by everyone that knew her. Jo never met a stranger. She would always say, “It’s nice to know you,” before promptly striking up a conversation. She adored entertaining and made certain that no guest in her house left without eating a big bowl, or two, or three of pasta with homemade pesto that she whipped up right from her garden. Josie’s backyard could rival the Bellagio and there wasn’t a clearance sale plant that she couldn’t resurrect and have blooming to the moon within a few weeks’ time. Her garden was an absolute paradise filled with fragrant flowers, Italian herbs, vegetables, and lemons. It is heaven sitting under her oak tree, listening to the songbirds, surrounded by the sweet aroma of flowers with the warm sun shining on your face. Josephine loved to travel and work with her hands, and she always put others before herself. As a teenager she quit school to help support her family. She would spend hours baking and cooking for family and friends, she belonged to the St. Mark’s Circle, she volunteered for the Funeral Dinner Ministry at St. Mark’s, and she always found a way to be sweet to others in need. In her spare time she would knit and crochet elaborate afghan blankets for charities. She would leave Christmas presents for the mailman, the trash men, and her lawn man, and she was never too busy to send a thoughtful card or gift to someone in need. She loved feeding the birds and squirrels, unless it was a pesky blackbird, in which case she’d still let them eat but just harass them a bit for being so darn wasteful. Mama’s children will remember all the little things-how she was always home after school with a kiss and a snack, or how she would call to share a laugh or a joke and just catch up. Nonna’s grandchildren will miss being wrapped up in her afghans and being stuffed with Nutella sandwiches, pancakes, spumoni ice cream, cookies, and popcorn in red and blue bowls. Her friends will cherish their memories of going to mass, playing Bunco, and of their day trips with her. Seeing Josie’s beautiful face and sitting with her on her porch or in her garden will be missed by all, especially her dogs and her songbird regulars. Thank you, Mom, Nonna, Josie. The world is a sweeter, more vibrant place because of you. Your open heart and loving impact here will never be forgotten, but carried on through the wonderful people you have shaped and inspired us to be. We take comfort in knowing that you and Charlie are together again along with your family and friends who have gone before, and we look forward to the coming months of spring where we will feel your radiant presence in the flowers and songbirds. Until we meet again. Ti amo. Buona notte. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 14, 2014 at St. Mark’s Catholic Parish, 3736 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, Missouri 64055. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation until 8:30 p.m., Thursday evening at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 East 39th Street, Independence, Missouri 64055. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)