Josephine Candler (nee De Rosa), age 98, of Valparaiso and formerly of Lake Station, passed away Monday, October 17, 2022. She was born on June 9, 1924 in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Salvadore and Carmella De Rosa. On April 4, 1951 she married James E. Candler in Chicago. Josephine retired from the Red Rooster where she worked as a waitress. She dedicated her life to taking care of her son. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, aunt and friend.

She is survived by her son, James (longtime companion, Cheryl L. Austin) Candler; brother, Anthony De Rosa; niece, Diana De Rosa; nephews, Syd Smith, David De Rosa and Dennis De Rosa.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Candler; son, Robert R. Fryer; brother, Clem De Rosa; sister, Jeanette Smith; and nephew, Jack Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Josephine's name may be made to Traditions Health Hospice, 1229 Arrowhead Ct. Crown Point, IN 46307 or Lifecare Center of Valparaiso, 3405 N. Campbell St. Valparaiso, IN 46385.

All services for Josephine are private. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .