Josephine Lopez Ragasa

Josephine (Josie) Lopez Ragasa passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 5, 2023, at the age of 76, of Cherry Hill, NJ.  Beloved mother of Diana (Matthew) Tavares and Jeffrey (Erin) Ragasa.  Loving grandmother of Donovan, Xavier, Cecilia, Maggie, and Riley.  Cherished sister of Rolando, Reynaldo, Ronaldo, the late Edgardo, and the late Rodolfo Lopez, Jr. Survived by her close friends Edith, Mindes, and Josee Matela.

 Josie was born to Rodolfo and Lourdes (nee Galvez) Lopez in Quezon City, Philippines on May 19, 1946. She was the eldest sister to 5 younger brothers, who in addition to her parents were raised by her dedicated aunts and grandparents. Her first love was the piano, which she found at a young age, competing successfully in radio talent competitions. As she grew, she worked at her mother's butchery. She was also chosen to represent organizations as the "muse" at parades and events. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The University of Santo Tomas, she proudly worked as a psychologist at the Filipino National Bureau of Investigation and as a guidance counselor at St. Theresa's College in the Philippines.

In 1971, Josie immigrated to the United States with her husband Dante, as he completed his residency in Bridgeport, CT. She gave piano lessons and did administrative work for St. Vincent's Hospital, before giving birth to Diana. In 1975, they relocated for Dante's work to NJ, and in 1976, she gave birth to their son Jeffrey. She dedicated her life to her family, making their Moorestown home a welcoming place for family and friends. She loved to cook and bake and passed those passions and skills on to her children. She was known for her Filipino cooking and hosting grand parties filled with music and great food. She held numerous jobs and responsibilities outside of taking care of the family.  She made many friends while working with the purchasing department of Virtua Mt. Holly Hospital and a windows company in Pennsauken, as well as volunteering with the medical auxiliary, and then working as a travel agent at SAF Travelworld in Cherry Hill. One of her greatest accomplishments was serving as the president of the Medical Alliance to the Medical Society of NJ in 1996, raising money for Providence House Domestic Violence Services and boating safety awareness, and even composing a song to honor the women of Providence House.

Josie was an amazing pianist, playing in concerts in the Philippines, and always filled the rooms with music.  She loved her friends and family and always cared deeply.  Her biggest joys were her grandchildren.  She was spiritual and loved to travel, and will always be with us in spirit wherever we may go.

Relatives and friends of the family will meet for her viewings on Friday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday morning from 9:00am to 10:15am all at the BOCCO FUNERAL HOME, 1300 North Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00AM Saturday morning at The Catholic Community of Christ Our Light Church, 402 North Kings Hwy., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you kindly consider making a contribution in Josephine Ragasa’s name to Providence House, 595 Rancocas Road, Westampton, NJ 08060.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed to the Bocco Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday morning: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bocco-Funeral-Home/100063641527387/