Josephine Smith, known fondly by her family as "Mama Jo", age 90, of Newark, DE passed away surrounded by her family on March 4, 2023.

Born in Phoenix, AZ, she was the daughter of the late Dora (Romo) and Pablo Alastuey. She graduated from Business School and went on to work professionally in administration, before becoming a homemaker for her children and her grandchildren. Josephine was very outgoing, loved being around people, and enjoyed company. She was very passionate about celebrating the Fourth of July, as it fell on her birthday. She was extremely patriotic.  Anyone that knew her would see her red, white, and blue shining brightly.  She had a great sense of humor and could light up a room. Josephine loved Elvis Presley, dancing, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Josephine is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Dock Smith; and her sisters, Camille Alastuey and Rosemarie Alastuey. She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law Pamela and Robert McElrone, sons Randy Smith (Fiancé- Alice) of Newark, and Christopher Smith of Bear; her grandchildren, Christopher Smith (Victoria), Jessica Lopez (David), Anthony Smith, Jennifer McElrone, Joseph Smith, Kelly McElrone, Alexandra McElrone, and Jonathan Smith; her great grandchildren, Olivia, Aubrey, Vanessa, Christopher, Charlie,  Laila, Taylor, Drake, Gabby, Oliver, Bryson, and Angelo; her brother, Paul Alastuey (Linda); and her sister, Aurelia Riley.

A visitation will be held on Monday March 11th from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 A.M. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803. Burial will be held privately at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org.