Josephine Jennie Mary (Babe) Longoverde Coleman
Born on June 27, 1920 in Newark, New YorkDeparted September 9, 2022 in West Melbourne, Florida
Josephine Jennie Mary (Babe) Longoverde Coleman of West Melbourne, Florida died peacefully on September 09, 2022, at home, with her family at her side.
Babe was born to Italian immigrants, Guiseppe and Giovina D’Orazio Longoverde of Montesilvano, in Newark NY, the youngest of 7 daughters. She lived and attended schools in Newark. However, her horizons broadened greatly when she met Al Coleman of Rochester, NY. Al was working in a furniture store in Newark and as an undertaker and embalmer, but had his sights much higher – the newly created Army Air Corps.
The two married on May 3, 1941 and home became the world – of their 6 children, only 2 were born in the same part of the United States. Making a home for her family was a full-time job especially in places such as London, Germany and Newfoundland. Finally in 1972, Babe and Al made their home in Palm Bay, FL.
Never one to sit still, Babe became active in volunteering at the St. Joseph Catholic School, tutoring students with their reading. Later in life she became involved with the St. Vincent dePaul Society of St. Joseph. Not only did she help with the Society’s Food Pantry but, during the last dozen or so years, invitations to her birthday parties always read “In lieu of presents, please contribute to St. Joseph’s St. Vincent dePaul Society.
Babe was no stranger on local golf courses, having enjoyed the sport up until her 95th year. She also always had some craft project going. Early on she became interested in arts and crafts, donating much of her work to worthy causes.
Babe was a devoted mother and inspiration to her 6 children – Judith of Forestdale, MA; Joseph and his wife Karen of Satellite Beach, FL; Marykaye Machado of West Melbourne, FL; Arnold and his wife Dona of Colorado Springs, CO; James and his wife Tracey of Port St Lucie, FL; and Barbara and her husband Robert Wanagill of Palm Bay, FL. Babe’s home was always a lively place to be with an additional 34 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph Conference of the St. Vincent dePaul Society, PO Box 60443, Palm Bay, FL 32905, would be greatly appreciated.
Calling hours will be Monday, September 12, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home. Her Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 10 am at St Joseph Catholic Church, Miller Street, Palm Bay.
