Josephine Fortson

Celebrating the Life of Josephine Anna Santos Fortson

The trumpets sounded the alarm as Josephine was ushered into heaven on Sunday, December 11, 2022; she answered the call.

Josephine, lovingly known as "Josie" was born May 25, 1937 to the late Antonio and Anna Soares (Papa and Mama Charlie). She was the third child born in the family of 16 children.

Josie attended the Bridgeport Public School System and later attended Housatonic Community College where she received her Associates Degree. Josie worked for the State of Connecticut as a Social Worker for 35 plus years until her retirement. She was also the only female President of the Cape Verdean Social Club.

Josie was raised in a Catholic Faith and remained dutiful to Blessed Sacrament Parish, where she also sang in the choir. She later married the love of her life Freddie Fortson. Josie was a sister, friend, grandmother, a Queen in her own right, but most of all she was a mother who raised 10 children and was blessed for every addition to the link of her chain.

Her children will continue her legacy and always honor her memory. Her children: John Santos Jr. (Maria), Julianna Santos, James Santos Sr. (Adrienne), Jacqueline Jackson (Darryl), Joseph Santos (Demetria), Jacinta Edwards (Jeffrey), Juanita Santos, Antonio Soares III (Tyelissa), Joanna and Jeffrey Santos.

Josie leaves 35 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and 1 on the way. She also leaves countless nieces, nephews and God children.

Her siblings: John (Jackie) Soares, Francisco (Lovely) Soares, Manuel Soares, Lawrence Soares (Priscilla), Bernadette (Warren) Davis, Joaquin (Linda) Soares and Special Auntie Francis Andrade (Cheecha).

On her journey to heaven, she will be reunited with her husband Freddie Fortson, her parents, two predeceased grandsons Dante and Tavon Santos as well as her predeceased siblings: Mary Ramos, Pauline Ramalho, Antonio Soares Jr., Peter Soares, Joseph Soares, Michael Soares, Laura (Thomas) Brito and Antoinette Carpenter. The love and warm welcome will also be received from her special niece Tanya Soares Walls.

As Josie gets acclimated to her new home, we are sure that she will be especially appreciative to Joanna and Troy for their special attention to her! She knows that her place as an angel is well overdue!

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 275 Union Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. Family will receive guest from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. Entombment will take place at St. Michael Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Avenue, Stratford, CT.

Arrangements are entrusted to Baker-Isaac Funeral Services, 985 Stratford Avenue, Bridgeport, CT.

Visitation
Monday, December 19, 2022
9:00 AM
Blessed Sacrament RC Church
275 Union Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06607

Funeral Service
Monday, December 19, 2022
11:00 AM
Blessed Sacrament RC Church
275 Union Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06607

Entombment
Monday, December 19, 2022
1:15 PM
St. Michaels Cemetery
2205 Stratford Ave
Stratford, CT 06615