Josephine M. Mogavero Ivison

Byron - Josephine “Josie” Mary (Mogavero) Ivison, 90, was born on September 5, 1928 to the late Samuel and late Rose (DiMaria) Mogavero in the Village of LeRoy, NY.  She passed peacefully from her home into eternity on Thanksgiving, November 22, 2018, with loving family by her side. Josephine grew up in LeRoy as the third oldest of eight children.  She graduated from LeRoy High School in 1946 where she participated in school choir and class communications.  She met her soulmate, Duane R. Ivison, in 1948 and they were married on March 18, 1950. They had five children that they raised on their South Byron dairy farm, Ivy Acres.  Josephine attended RBI and worked for a year as a secretary in Rochester before staying home and helping keep books for the farm. She also enjoyed working at Arlene’s Hallmark store in Batavia.  One of her most favorite roles was volunteering at the Crossroads House (hospice) in Batavia. She brought such love and peace to the patients and their families there. Josephine attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in LeRoy with her family as a youngster.  She was a long-time member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Byron where she served faithfully on the Altar Society.  After St. Michael’s closed, she regularly attended St. Brigid's Catholic Church in Bergen. She was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of South Byron.  Josephine found joy in dancing, playing card games, going out to eat and traveling with her beloved husband, Duane. She enjoyed reading her prayer cards, reciting the Rosary, gardening, coloring, baking and cooking for her family.  Her 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 12+ great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. All of the family dogs throughout the years held a special place in her heart. Her dear granddog and companion, Journey, kept a protective watch over her in recent years Josephine is survived by her children: Daniel (Lynn) Ivison of South Byron and Julie (Stephen) Ivison-Libero of Byron, son-in-law Denny Miller of Bergen, son-in law John Casper of Rochester; her grandchildren: Nicole Miller, Kelly (Jason) Burghart, Aimee Frederes, Keith (Daysha) Littlefield, Jesse Casper, Matthew (Shelby) Miller, Jodee (Brian) DiSanto, Mandy (Curt Randall) Miller, Holden Miller, Linsey Ivison, and Casey (Janette Vick) Ivison; her great-grandchildren: Elaine Gburski, Carlos DiSanto, Brianna DiSanto, Emily Foley, Alayna Burghart, Dwayne Littlefield, Logan Burghart, Natalie Randall, John Littlefield, Lacie Ivison, Madison Miller, Carter Morrison and a Baby Girl Miller on the way; her siblings: sister Florence Silvernail of LeRoy and brother Richard Mogavero of Espous; numerous nieces and nephews, cherished cousins and dear friends.  Her Godchildren (Michael, Martha and Dennis) were very special to her, as well. She is preceded in death by her parents: Samuel and Rose Mogavero, her siblings: Eileen Conrad, Mary Mogavero, Joseph Mogavero, Elinora Rebban, and Eleanor Morgavero; her husband Duane Ivison; her children: Patricia Miller, Janet Casper, and Brian Ivison; and her grandsons: Nathaniel Miller and Aston Frederes. The family would like to express their gratitude to HCR of Genesee County, Hospice and Tender Loving Family Care of Brockport for their kindness and compassion throughout Josie's end-of-life journey. Josephine’s senior yearbook described her as a kind and diligent woman who was always willing to lend a helping hand.  Her beautiful smile and sunny disposition lasted throughout her entire life. Everyone knew they could count on Josie in times of need.  She always gave from her heart and showered her friends and family with unconditional love. As a quiet behind-the-scenes source of support, she was known as the wind beneath our wings.  Josephine’s unwavering strength and faith has been an example to us all. To know Josie is to love her. She will always be remembered for her soft hands, tender heart and precious smile.  Once a beautiful angel here on Earth, Josephine is now a precious angel in Heaven. She is loved by so many and will be sorely missed. Friends and family may call on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Street, Bergen, NY.  Her Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 am on Tuesday at St. Brigid’s Church, 18 Gibson Street in Bergen. Burial will be in Byron Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for distribution to her favorite charities in Mrs. Ivison’s memory. These charities include: St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Bergen, Crossroads House, Batavia, Tender Loving Family Care, Batavia, and maintaining the Duane R. Ivison Memorial Gazebo at Byron Park.