Josephine Violet (Zerante) LeDuc, 99, formerly of Flossmoor, IL, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2021 in Waterbury, CT following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on November 23, 1922, in Chicago Heights, IL, the sixth child of Sicilian immigrant parents, the late Vincenzo (James) Zerante and Rosa Firrantello. Josephine spent 98 of her 99 years in Cook County, Illinois.

Jo graduated with honors from Bloom Township High School in 1941 and began a career as a secretary in the business offices of Sears Roebuck & Company. By the time she retired from Sears, she had become a highly accomplished and well respected executive secretary. In retirement, Jo, a lifelong learner, took swimming and piano lessons. She also created beautiful handmade quilts and lovely knitted blankets.

Josephine was a loving aunt, a good friend and neighbor and she will be sorely missed. Jo was an excellent cook, who always graciously shared her delicious meals, expertise and recipes.

Jo had a wealth of knowledge, with an uncanny ability to recall details of the world as it evolved over her near century of living.

Even into her nineties, Jo stayed active and looked forward to Bridge and Scrabble games with family and friends. She also enjoyed participating in play productions with her "40 Odd Players" group and lunching with her high school friends.

Josephine had many nieces, nephews, greats, great-greats, friends' children, and grandchildren with whom she generously shared her wisdom and time. She loved celebrating holidays and special occasions with her extended family.

Jo enjoyed travelling and especially loved Italy, Spain and Hawaii. In later years, she looked forward to vacations in Naples, FL and Fire Island, NY.

Although she loved her family and friends in Illinois, Josephine realized that she needed more assistance and relocated to Connecticut in 2020 to be closer to her sister Tillie's children.

Jo retained her sharp mind and independence to the end, still winning at Scrabble and Gin Rummy and living in her own apartment. While residing in assisted living in Southbury, CT, Josephine earned the nickname "The Duke" for her dignified manner, fierce self-reliance and quick wit.

Happily, Josephine recently enjoyed a wonderful celebration of Thanksgiving and her 99th birthday with family in New York City.

Josephine was predeceased by her husband, Russell LeDuc, her siblings, George (Stella) Zerante, Frank Zerante, Peter (Mary) Zerante, James (Rose) Zerante, Angeline Zerante and Tillie (Ben) Onorato. She was also pre-deceased by one niece, three nephews and one great-nephew.

She is survived by eight nieces and nephews, twenty-six great and eighteen great-great nieces and nephews.

Prior to her move to Connecticut, Josephine was a longtime parishioner at Infant Jesus of Prague Church in Flossmoor, IL., where a Mass in celebration of her life will be held in the Spring.

Funeral arrangements and burial in Illinois will be at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine's memory may be made to: JusticeAid (Tax EIN 46-2237781) 2120 Kalorama Rd. #3 NW, Washington, DC 20008. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.