Josephine Claire Browning (Jo), 95, of Idaho Falls, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024, at Fairwinds Senior Living. She was under the care of Brio Hospice.

Jo was born on May 25, 1929, in Oakland, California to Frank Lauricella and Josephine Ramos Lauricella. She grew up in Oakland and attended Holy Names High School for young women, she graduated in 1947.

She worked briefly as a secretary. She met a wonderful, young, Navy man from Idaho-Donald. They met and danced at the USO often and soon fell in love. A love story to last a lifetime.

On August 12, 1951, she married Donald B. Browning in Oakland, California. They spent many happy times double dating with her sister, Pat, and Jim Jones. They remained good friends always-traveling together after raising their families.

Jo and Don had just celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Jo was a loving mother to her eight children. They built their lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Jo was the office manager for Browning's Appliance Service, which was owned and operated by Don.

She was a member of the Catholic Church. She volunteered with Flowers and Environment for Liturgy. They were also members of the Chamber of Commerce and the Eagles Lodge. She spent many years with her Bridge Club and good friends. She enjoyed Square Dancing, the Waltz, and the Western 2-step. She loved flower gardening. She was an artist and enjoyed painting, crafts, and sewing.

Jo was a loving wife, devoted mother, kind grandmother, art enthusiast, and a wonderful and caring friend who enjoyed nature and simple beauty.

She is survived by her husband, Donald B. Browning of Idaho Falls, Idaho; her sons: Stephen (Mamie) Browning of Idaho Falls, Michael (Teresa) Browning of Boise, Idaho, Donald F. Browning of Idaho Falls, Joseph (Stacy) Browning of Idaho Falls,  John (Tami) Browning of Idaho Falls, and Mark (Lisa) Browning of Idaho Falls; her daughters: Patricia (Tony) Kriegh of Idaho Falls, and Kathleen (John) Espinosa of Idaho Falls; her sister, Patricia Jones of Oregon; and her brother, Michael (Jim) Lauricella of Palm Springs, California; 24 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Josephine Lauricella; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Browning; her great-granddaughter, Evelynn Hampton; her brother, James Lauricella; her brother-in-law, James Jones; and her nephew, Christopher Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Easterseals online at https://www.easterseals.com/ways-to-give or to a charity of your choice.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 23, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1690 E. 17th Street, Idaho Falls.

A Rosary will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, September 22, 2024, with a viewing following until 7:00 p.m., at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery with a luncheon following at the Parish Hall at Christ the King. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .