Submitted by: Dan Rich

Josephine (Jo) Laura Michalos

Aug. 14, 1923 - Nov. 3, 2008

South Bend Tribune 11/5/2008
SOUTH BEND - Josephine (Jo) Laura Michalos, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, November 3, 2008 at 4:30 a.m. in Memorial Hospital. Jo was born on August 14, 1923 in Kingston, New York. She was the youngest of four children born to Francis and Anelia Cwill. Her siblings, Laura, Chester and Stella Turck preceded her in death. On May 20, 1945 in New York, she married Chris V. Michalos in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Upon completion of his military service, Chris and Jo moved to South Bend in 1946. Jo is survived by her husband, Chris and three children, Bruce R., Gregory V. and Christie (Larry) Kaniewski, all of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Kim) Michalos of Colorado Springs, Kimberly Michalos of Indianapolis, Jennifer (Casey) Hudson of Denver, Ashley Michalos and Lauren Michalos of Cincinnati, Brittany Boits of Savannah, Niki Boits of South Bend. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Noah Michalos of Colorado Springs. Through the years, Jo enjoyed volunteer work with bake sales, bazaars and card parties as an active member of the Altar & Rosary Society and Harvest House at Christ the King Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus #553 Ladies Auxiliary, Leighton Center, and the Daughters of Penelope at St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church. Through these organizations she made many cherished life long friendships. She also enjoyed her poker club, bingo and of course, shopping! Professionally, she was co-owner and operator of the Koffee Kup Restaurant in South Bend. Upon retirement in 1983, Jo and Chris were fortunate to travel extensively. A very special event in Jo's life was receiving a close personal blessing from Pope John Paul II in Rome in 2003. Jo always met life's challenges with a positive attitude and perpetual smile that endeared her to everyone she met.