Josie was born on March 8, 1927, in Hurley , Wisconsin, a daughter of Leo and Mary (Shelky) Malinowski.

On Nov. 30, 1947, she married Edward W. Armata. They resided in Ironwood their entire married life, and together they raised two children, Susan and Edward.

Josie held various part-time jobs throughout her life, lastly catering with Mrs. Bedore.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Josie enjoyed tending to her flowers and vegetables, watching birds and other wildlife from her picture window, doing jigsaw puzzles, scratching lottery tickets and collecting knickknacks. She didn't even mind shoveling snow or mowing the lawn in her younger years. Josie walked several miles to anywhere she needed to go. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Josie was known for her generosity, quick wit and loving heart.

Josie is survived by a daughter, Susan Eilo; her daughter-in-law, Annette Armata; four grandchildren, Holly (Kyle) Ramme, Christopher (Becky) Armata, Jason (Trisha) Eilo and Stacy (Gus) Eilo; nine cherished great-grandchildren; and eight precious great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; a son, Edward Walter Jr .; two sisters, Lucy and Sophie; a brother, Adam; and numerous other relatives.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, at noon, at the Pioneer Park gazebo, 515 E. Vaughn St., in Ironwood . The Rev. Jeffrey A. Ahonen will preside.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield , is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.