Passing of a Friend

Photo: legacy.com

It is with great sadness to inform you of the recent passing of Mrs. Josephine Fote, wife of Dr. Francis Fote, co-founder of Grounds for Health. Josephine, or Jo as she was known to her friends, was one of the special examples on how to take a difficult life thrown at you at a young age and move through everything with forgiveness, love, compassion and grace.

Born in 1929 to an impoverished family of Italian immigrants in Le Roy, New York, Jo was the youngest of four. Named after her father Joseph, who died just three days after her birth, Jo was orphaned at nine. She was reared by the nuns of the Stella Niagara School in Lewiston, New York, and was forever grateful for the love and attention given to her by this order. She would embrace St. Francis’ tenets of faith and service throughout her life.

Jo attended Niagara University’s School of Nursing, where she worked, studied and eventually met husband Francis Fote, to whom she was married for 60 years.

She demonstrated deep love of family and of helping others without a moment’s hesitation. She raised seven kids with Doc and her support for husband Doc and all her kids and grandchildren was never-ending.  Her enthusiasm for giving and helping was just part of her DNA. She always listened with heartfelt attention, and not only reached out, but stayed connected for life with those who came to her feeling lost or alone.

When she spoke of Grounds for Health, Jo always agreed that it was just the “right thing to do.” She was a consummate Mom and truly loving person to all.

Jo Fote lived two doors down from our house in West Seneca, NY and was like a second mother to me.

She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Dan

Dan Cox
Grounds for Health co-founder and current board member