Josephine Festa Purcell, 90, of Westport died peacefully at her home September 9. She was born in Norwalk in 1927 and has been a Westport resident for 61 years.

Her four sons and their wives, Mark and Holly Purcell of Newtown, David J. and Rebecca Purcell of Fairfield, Thomas and Nancy Purcell of Westport, and Timothy Richard and Denise Purcell of Weston, survive her. She also leaves behind five sisters, Mary Manzi, Fay Du Bois, Helen Barati, and Mathilda Besaw, all of Norwalk, and Rose Russo of Trumbull; brother Patrick Festa; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her greatest love was to surround herself with and spoil her eight grandchildren, and she felt fortunate to have seen her first great-grandchild.

Her husband, David Richard Purcell; two brothers, Alfred Festa and Sam Festa; and a sister, Ann Reda, predeceased her.

Mainly a homemaker and mother, Mrs Purcell worked in many local renowned restaurants, such as Skippers, Blue Moon, and The Clambox, and retired from the Patterson Club after 22 years of service.

Her passion was food, whether preparing for her family or catering for large events. Her family will remember especially her true Italian homemade pizzas and pierogies! She enjoyed weekly card games with her beloved sisters and brothers, as well as routine trips to the local casinos in Atlantic City or Mohegan Sun due to her love of Bingo and slot machines.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, September 14, from 4 to 7 pm, at the Fairfield Funeral Home of Edmund W. Dougiello, 36 South Pine Creek Road.

Friends are invited to attend the funeral on Friday, September 15, at 9:15 am, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 am in St Luke Church, Long Lots Road, Westport. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield.

Contributions may be made to the in Mrs Purcell's memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation at alzfdn.org.