Josie M. Tolson

It is with tears in our eyes that we write this tribute to our mother, Josie Tolson. Our grief is tangible yet immeasurable.

After a day surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren followed by a quiet, peaceful evening, full of love, friends and reminiscing, Josie lost the ultimate battle of her life as the sun rose in the chilly early morning light of November 30, 2024. In her final days, Josie fought the hard fight against Alzheimer’s; she is now resting in peace.

Born on a cool Valentine’s day in 1941, Josie started her life in Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain. At the young age of 19, she left her homeland and her family. Josie, her husband and newborn baby travelled to and settled in Concord, NH for the next 12 years. She welcomed her second child about 2 years after her arrival to Concord. During those years, she was primarily a stay at home mom, learned English and made many friends.

She met the true love of her life, Aaron Tolson, while living in Concord and they ultimately married and bought a home in Manchester, NH; together they raised their family. Josie very determinedly guided her 2 younger children to become very successful professional dancers. She was a proud Mom of all 4 of her children’s accomplishments and loved each one of them with all her heart.

Josie started and excelled in her own business, “Josie’s Girl’s,” training kids from 2-20 years old in runway modeling and pageant training. We all formed lifelong friendships with her students and their families. Josie was happiest while surrounded by and teaching all of her girls. She truly loved each and every one of her students.

Becoming a grandmother was a joy for Josie. She was completely in love with her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time baking / eating pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with them or going to their favorite restaurants for some good conversation.

Josie was a vibrant, strong woman who was always on the go and enjoyed every minute of life. She was able to return to Spain several times in her lifetime; even traveling back home with her children and friends; she missed her homeland terribly.

Josie is survived by her 4 children: Imma Doğru, Frank Rosano, Michelle Tolson and Aaron Tolson and his wife Emily. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by a niece and several cousins in Spain.

Josie was predeceased by her husband of 25+ years, Aaron Tolson in 2004.

We would be remiss not to also mention her beloved dogs, Sheba and Angel that she dearly loved and missed since their passing.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 6:00 pm at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St, Manchester, NH.