Obituary of Josephine Mary Henshaw

Josephine Balesteri-Henshaw passed away peacefully on March 16, 2011, after her courageous battle with M.S. and cancer, for the past 11 years. She was born in Monterey CA. on December 12, 1950 to Peter and Annie Balesteri. Josephine graduated from Junipero Serra High School, met and married the love of her life; Michael Henshaw of Coos Bay, Oregon. After his tour with the Coast Guard, they moved to and lived in Rogue River and Coos Bay, Oregon before coming back to Monterey in the 70?s, to live their life together. She worked as a waitress, for nearly two decades at ?The Rogue and the ?Golden Tee?, and various other restaurants on the Peninsula. Josephine and Mike went their separate ways in 1993, however they remained best friends to this day. Jo was deeply loved and cared for by her family and friends. She constantly kept in close touch with all of her nieces and nephews, like they were her own children. Her favorite activity was to hop into her car and go shopping! She enjoyed finding organic foods and cooking healthy and nutritious meals. In addition to her personal care routine, she loved to make custom jewelry for her nieces, paint ceramics and canvas, and visit with her close friends at the Carmelite Monastery. Josephine was proceeded in death by her father Peter, her sister-in-law Shelly and her nephew Aaron. She is survived by her mother Annie Balesteri, her brothers Manuel (Diane), Frankie (Val), and Peter Balesteri (Shelly), all of Monterey, CA. She also leaves her nieces Jennifer (Salinas), Mary Ann (Monterey), Alisa (Madison, South Dakota) and Kristina (Seaside) Balesteri. Nephews; Frank (Marina) and Peter (Seaside) Balesteri. Visitation will be at Mission Mortuary, Monterey, California on Friday 3/18/2011 from 5 ? 7 PM with vigil at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at San Carlos Cathedral at 9:30 AM Saturday 3/19/2011. Donation in Josephine?s name may be made to the San Carlos Cathedral Restoration Fund. (831) 373-2628. Visit www.missionmortuary.com for condolences.