JoPat (Josephine Patricia Minerva)

Josephine Patricia Minerva Merritt Island, Florida On November 3rd, 2009 she left this earth to be with Our Lord, in Heaven with other family members that preceded her. JoPat was born March 18, 1928 in West Tampa, Florida, to Jennie and Sam LaBruzzo. At age 8 she moved to Manhattan, New York and then across the river to Brooklyn. There, at age 19, she met the love of her life and future husband, Mike. She married at age 22 (1950), living in Brooklyn, then in 1962 to Valley Stream, Long Island before moving to Merritt Island, Florida in November of 1974. JoPat leaves behind, her loving husband of 59 years, and the family they created out of love. Her Son, Michael Jr., and wife Patricia, and their children, son Michael III and wife Melissa, (and her first great grand child Nicholas Carlo), son David and daughter Joanne. Her Son, Christopher and wife Nancy, and their children Paulaidan and Angela. Her Daughter, Theresa and husband Bill Miles, and their children Brandon, Dana and Jordon. Sisters, Angie Peretz and Jeanette French, and their well loved children. Sister in law, Paula Clemente, Brother in law, Angelo Minerva and wife Florence, Sister in law Marie Minerva. Not to be forgotten; many loving nieces and nephews their husbands and wives and their children.And our many cousins in California. JoPat was a dancer, and a nurse before being married, and then continued in nursing after her children were in high school. She also volunteered at the So. Nassau Hospital in Long Island, working in medical records, and brought gifts to nursing homes on holidays. Moving to Merritt Island, Florida, November 1974, JoPat worked as a nurse at several doctor's offices. She also worked at Ivey's Department store. There, she started collecting donated costume jewelry and with her special friends, wrapped and distributed them at nursing homes as holiday gifts for many years. After retiring, JoPat volunteered at doctor's offices, nursing homes and Cape Canaveral Hospital in the medical records department. JoPat was a member of two prayer groups, one at Divine Mercy and another at Our Savior Catholic Churches. JoPat was so out front with her love of God. JoPat was loved by all who knew her. She was always ready to help others with her love and smile. Ready to host or help with all family traditions at all holiday times and tirelessly carried on, her door was always open. JoPat met life with zeal, courage and dignity, and will be greatly missed by everyone who's lives she has touched. Special thanks to all the caretakers at Angel Guardian Assisted Living for all the loving care she received. Calling hours will be from 1 until 3pm and 6 until 8pm Friday, November 6, 2009 and Saturday, November 7, 2009. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Monday, November 9, 2009 at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Brevard Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Joe’s Club Adult Day Center, 4676 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL 32935. “Love is Forever”