Obituary of Josephine Carmella Lawton

Josephine C. Lawton, 83, of Syracuse passed away on Thursday after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her family. Josephine retired from the Syracuse City School District as a teaching assistant. Her professional career began as a Volunteer at Assumption Catholic Academy. She also worked at Salina School, and sometime later at Webster School. She loved her students and will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and loving spirit. Her home was always open to friends and family. She enjoyed the many times that family and friends would stop by to visit. She was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, Winfred Leonard, her mother and father, Angeline and Peter D'Agostino, her sisters, Sarah and Grace and her brothers, James and Joseph. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Lynn Lawton Ely, her son, Leonard Blair Lawton and his fiancée, Connie Callahan, her granddaughter, Michelle Lynn Pollock and her grandsons, Leonard and Lindsey Lawton. She is also survived by two sisters, Jennie Polifroni of Syracuse and Margaret Serio of Kissimmee, Florida and a sister-in-law, Doris D'Agostino of Syracuse, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express a special thank you to the 4th floor staff at Loretto Fahey for Josephine's excellent care. Everyone was wonderful to her and she loved each and every one of her care givers. Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 9:30am in Frasier-Shepardson Funeral Home followed by a mass at 10am in Assumption Church with burial follow in Belle Isle Cemetery.. Calling hours are Sunday from 2-5pm at the Frasier-Shepardson Funeral Home, 1217 North Salina Street.In lieu of flowers the family has asked that a contribution be made to the St. Jude's Children Hospital.