Josephine Angeline O'Brien (Montante) of Taylor, MI passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025. She was born in Detroit on February 7, 1934 to Michael and Rose Montante, who emigrated from Sicily in the early 1900's. She was raised in a loving family in Detroit with brothers Joe and Tony, and sister Frances (Fran).

Josie graduated from Mackenzie High School and at the age of 19, she married the love of her life, Daniel James O'Brien. They wed on January 16, 1954 and were married for 67 wonderful years. They were a testament to true love and commitment to each other. They made their home in Taylor where they lived their entire lives and raised two children, Mary and Mike. Their neighborhood was, and still is, a tight knit group that over the years became an extension of the family and provided priceless friendship and support. Josie loved when the house was full of family, friends and neighbors.

Josie started her work career at American Motors in Detroit, and after marrying Dan, she was active in church life and was a founding member of the St. Paschal Baylon Altar Society in Taylor. Through the years, she continued to work to help provide for the family. Most notably, she worked many years for Fr. Karamanos at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Southgate, and at Masco Corporation Flight Operations at Detroit Metro Airport. After retiring, Josie and Dan enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending winters in Florida. Josie was a big fan of family traditions, including annual cannoli making, cookie day, and spending holidays together, especially Christmas. She was also accomplished at making homemade Limoncello, which she shared generously with everyone. She was truly the happiest when the whole family was together.

After Dan passed away in 2021, Josie remained active with her tight knit group of friends, neighbors and even Mackenzie High School classmates. She had frequent visitors that took her out to eat, to concerts and exercise class. At the age of 91, she uprooted herself and moved to Holland, Michigan to be closer to her recently born great-grandson and cherished every single minute they spent together.

Josephine was preceded in death by her husband Daniel, brothers Tony and Joe Montante, and sister Fran Rizzo. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Wofford (Kevin), her son Michael (Nancy), granddaughters Kayleigh Hamilton (John) and Jessica Miilu, and great-grandson Daniel Hamilton. She also leaves behind many adoring (great) nieces, (great) nephews, and too many friends and neighbors to count.

A memorial gathering will be Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. located at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 9800 Telegraph Rd Taylor, MI 48180. The family invites everyone to a celebration luncheon on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. at Pia's Ristorante 21142 Ecorse Rd Taylor, MI 48180.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, Susan G Komen Foundation or St. Jude Children's Hospital.