Josephine M. Tanzella, 97, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, NY, just hours before her 98th birthday. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Joseph S. and Maria Rose (Guiducci) LaNasa.
Josephine was a 1945 graduate of Niagara Falls High School. She worked as a secretary for Dr. Alfred Alessi, later for the Niagara County Department of Social Services in the Human Resource Department, and for the former RB MacMullin Associates in Niagara Falls, NY, as a secretary and personal aide to Mr. MacMullin.
Josephine was an avid reader, had a sharp mind for crosswords, sudoku, and cryptograph puzzles, and was a fantastic storyteller to her grandchildren. She was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #88 and the St. Joseph Church Senior Society. She also volunteered as a Foster Grandmother at Head Start and Harry F. Abate School and was a member of the Cristoforo Colombo Women’s Auxiliary.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Our Lady of Peace for the compassion and care shown to Josephine and her family during her time there.
Josephine is survived by her loving children, Arlene Marie (late Robert) Soluri and Michael A. (Denise (Mariglia)) Tanzella, Jr.; cherished grandchildren, Christopher Soluri, Danielle Soluri, Robert Soluri, Jr., Vicki Lynne (Dale) Mock, Angela Tyner, and Christina (C.J.) Krakeel; and adored great-grandchildren, Sophia Soluri, Michael (Katelyn) Brown, Kristyn (Austin) Hallman, Alexis Soluri, Riley Crosby, and Mitchell and Elliott Tyner, as well as 6 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her siblings, Anthony R. (Yvonne) LaNasa, Florence (late Peter) Beno, Joseph J. (late Jean) LaNasa, and Mary (late Virgil) Neadow.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 to 11:15 AM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin at 11:15 AM. Josephine’s Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 Noon at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence, 5285 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, NY 14092. For online condolences, please visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.
SERVICES
Visitation
Thursday, September 25, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Thursday, September 25, 2025
11:15 AM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, September 25, 2025
12:00 PM
St. Joseph Church
1413 Pine Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Get Directions on Google Maps
