Seabrook - Josephine P. (Messina) Tabacco, 84, of Seabrook, N.H., passed away peacefully at Lahey Clinic Burlington, from complications of congestive heart failure in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2020.

Born Monday, May 18, 1936, she was the beloved wife of the late John L Tabacco and the daughter to the late Santo and Angelina (Battiato) Messina.

She leaves behind her three children, Paul Tabacco and wife Michele of Conway, N.H., Linda (Tabacco) Colby of Georgetown, Mass., Michael Tabacco and his wife Heather of Mooresville, N.C.; her sister, Ann Silva and brother-in-law, Frank Silva of Kingston, N.H.; her sister-in-law, Connie Rivard of Englewood, Fla.; her six grandchildren, Kristen Tabacco of Beverly, Mass., Rachel Tabacco of Milford, N.H., Nicholas Colby and his wife, Stefanie of Byfield, Mass., Joseph Colby and his wife, Sylvia of Newbury, Mass., Mikey Tabacco and Angelina Tabacco of N.C.; great-grandson, Giovanni Tabacco, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband John; infant son John S.; brothers, Philip Messina, Salvatore "Sam" Messina, and Fred Messina.

Raised in North Andover, Josephine graduated from Johnson High School and went on to become an executive secretary for the civil service at Fort Devens, Hanscom Field, as well as Bolton Emerson, Avco, and Raytheon. In retirement she was a resident of Seabrook, N.H. and Englewood, Fla., and a longtime resident of Salisbury Beach where she raised her children and operated the family's well known businesses. In recent years you could find her working at Agawam Diner where she would cashier with a great smile. One of her greatest joys was spending time with all her family, she was very close to her children, and all her grandchildren.

Josie was an amazing cook. She loved her bowling league and was regarded as a sought after team member. She served as hospital volunteer in Newburyport, Mass., and Englewood, Fla. Throughout her life, she maintained many treasured friendships and will always be remembered for her sweetness and kindness. She was adored by everybody, her love and acceptance of others was her greatest gift to everybody fortunate enough to have known her.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff at Lahey Clinic of Burlington for all the care and support they provided.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Conte Funeral Home, 17 Third Street, North Andover, MA 01845. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845.

Burial will follow in Ridgewood Cemetery, North Andover.