Josephine Roma Roland 98, of Hemingford, Nebraska, passed away on December 14, 2021, surrounded by her family.
Josephine was born on September 15, 1923 to Candita Stella Carl Antonio and Salvatore Roma in Monessen, Pennsylvania. She attended school in Monessen, and after high school went on to attend National School of Business in Pittsburg where she obtained a 2-year degree in accounting.
Josephine moved to California with her mother, her step-father Salvatore DiGioia and youngest brother; and began work in payroll at Norton Army Base in San Bernardino, California. She enjoyed dressing up and going out dancing with her friends. She met Robert (Bob) Lee Roland at one such dance and they married June 4, 1949.
Bob and Jo were married for over 64 years and had 4 children, Nancy, Carl, Lynda and Alan. Bob and Josephine purchased a farm near Hemingford in 1964; they spilt their time between the two homes each year. Farming in the summer and running Robert Lee Roland Contractor and Building supply in the winter. Josephine was a meticulous bookkeeper. In the winter of 1978, they moved to Nebraska permanently.
Josephine was a dedicated mom to all of her children, raising all of them to go on to accomplish great things. Family came first, she spent her retirement years attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, school concerts, and plays. She was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Hemingford, belonged to the Progressive Homemakers Extension Club, and was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Josephine was predeceased by her parents, her two older brothers, her younger brother Ross DiGioia, her husband Bob, and her son-in-law Dennis Zajic. She is survived by Nancy (Roland) Zajic, Carl Roland, Lynda Roland, Alan Roland, Loretta Roland, her bonus son Steve Dillion, her seven grandkids and nine great-grandkids. She left many happy memories among family and friends.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Catherine Sutera and the staff at Chadron Community Hospital for their care and compassion.
Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 20, 2021 at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Hemingford. Rosary at 9:15 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with Father Matt Koperski officiating Interment will follow at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Alliance, NE.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Josephine’s name to Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 M Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.