SPARTA - Josephine Romano, 87, formerly, of Sparta Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2013 at the St. Agnes Home, St. Louis, Mo. She was born July 10, 1926 in Murphysboro, Illinois, the twelfth child of Joseph and Clara Calandro. She was married on June 17, 1950 to Antonio Romano at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Murphysboro, Illinois. Josephine enjoyed quilting with Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Of Sparta, Illinois. After relocating to St. Louis , she quilted with Curé Of Ars Catholic Church. She had a generous nature and served her family and friends with her love of cooking. It is from her Sicilian kitchen that she was the inspiration for her widely known cookbook the Extraordinary Cuisine of Josephine. She is survived by one daughter and son- in- law, Paula and Robert Shively of St. Louis, Missouri; one son, Anthony Romano of Washington, D.C.; one son and daughter- in-law, Joe and Gretchen Romano of Burlingame, California. Surviving, also, are grandchildren, Stephanie (Kevin) Schnepp, Christina (Kevin) Buchek, Matt (Paula) Shively, John (Tavia) Shively, and Sarah Shively; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Annessa, Nevan and Spencer Shively; Dylan and Luke Schnepp; Casimir Magruder and Slieve Buchek. Also, surviving are, two sisters - in - law Doris and Henrietta Calandro; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Josephine was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, her parents, infant twin sisters, one sister, Christine Mann; eight brothers, Earl, Andrew, Tony, Matthew, Constantine, Joe, Paul and Mike Calandro. Visitation will be at St. Andrew's Catholic Church on Saturday, December 28, 2013 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. A Memorial Mass will follow at 1100 AM. Interment will be at St. Andrew's Cemetery, Murphysboro, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Agnes Home, 10341 Manchester RD., Kirkwood, MO. 63122.