RUTKOWSKI, Josephine Ann "Jo" (DeVito) of Arlington MA, formerly of East Cambridge, died in her home surrounded by family on December 15th after suffering a stroke earlier this month. She was the loving wife of the late Edward Stanley Rutkowski and devoted mother of Joanne "Rheba," Jan and wife Mary Beth Dynan, Mark and wife Clare, Joyce Graham, June and husband Geoff Freed, and Edward Stanley. Her fierce commitment to family extended to her grandchildren Vincent, Justin, Austin, Evan, Ayden, and Eleanor; her brothers and sisters Mary, Alfred, and Alexander, pre-deceased by Edward, Philomena, and Grace; and her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her chosen family included a large community of friends who were very dear, including her Saturday Night group who looked out for her until the very end.

Jo's 86 years on earth were marked by faith, hard work, service to others, and an active social life. She worked as the office manager for Dr. Lawrence Cusolito in Belmont for over 30 years, and remembered every patient. She was incredibly active in her church communities, often serving as a lector at St. Jerome in Arlington and St. Eulalia in Winchester, and remained close with her friends at St. Francis in East Cambridge. Throughout her life Jo worked tirelessly for peace and justice with Pax Christi, Agape Community, Voice of the Faithful, Amnesty International, and dozens of other charities and human rights organizations. She cooked meals for Haley House in the South End and coordinated food deliveries for St. Matthew's Food Pantry in Dorchester. Jo loved the theatre, especially musicals, and took in shows every few weeks. She was an unparalleled cook and hostess, and thrived on bringing people together, usually in her home and with large amounts of food.
Her children ask that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to one of Jo's favorite charities: Poor People's United Fund in Boston, Agape Community in Ware, St. Matthew's Food Pantry in Dorchester, or donate to the charity of your choice.

Visiting Hours will be on Wednesday from 3:00 - 7:00 pm in the DeVito Funeral Home 1145 Mass Ave., Arlington.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday 10:00 am in St. Eulalia Church Winchester. Interment to follow in the family lot of Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Arrangements entrusted to her nephews of the DeVito and Donovan-Aufiero Funeral Homes.