Obituary of Josephine Santos

Josephine D. Santos, of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away peacefully at home, on October 6, 2024, after a long illness.

Josie was born on August 24, 1938, to Alberto Datoc and Rosario Cabanos Datoc in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She was the youngest of their 5 daughters. She graduated from the University of the Philippines, married Renato R. Santos in 1962, emigrated to the United States in 1968 and proudly became a US citizen. However, her Filipino heritage and culture were always in the forefront.

After living in New York City for a year or so, she and Renato settled and raised their family in Ridgefield Park, NJ. As a buyer for Sears Roebuck and Co. in NYC, she was always fashionably dressed. She later turned down Sear’s offer to relocate to Chicago and instead ventured out with her own businesses, The Café at Glenpointe Spa and Baskets Filled with Love.

Josie had a very gracious and generous spirit. She helped many new Filipino immigrants adjust to their new environment and her home was always open to everyone. No one ever left hungry as her kitchen was always in use. Josie and her home were the center of every single family, friend, social and community event.

She was a devoted Catholic and an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ridgefield Park, NJ. She later became a beloved member of the First Community of The Neocatechumenal Way.

She was also very involved with the AFABC (American-Filipino Association of Bergen County) and fostered close relationships with the wives of Renato’s golf club.

Josie was predeceased by her sisters Leonore Ramos, Teodora Datoc and Fernanda Datoc. Her husband, Renato. R. Santos, passed away in 2014. She is survived by her sister, Salud C. Datoc of Quezon City, Philippines, her children – Marie (Pinky)& Ivan Alvarez of Miami Beach, FL, Rosie (Sherri) and Bobby Giammatteo of Poughkeepsie, NY, and her pride & joy grandchildren – Julianna & Nicolle Alvarez and Sofia, Olivia and Roman Giammatteo.

Visitation will be held at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 4:00-8:00pm

Her Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main Street, Poughkeepsie on Tuesday, October 22nd at 10:00am followed by a burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 171 Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 in her honor and memory. Www.hvhospice.org