Josephine Anna Ciulla

Saco

Josephine "Josie" Anna Ciulla, 83, of Saco, Maine, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Josie was born in East Boston on November 15, 1942, the only daughter of Michael and Lucia (Lancia) Ciulla.  She received her elementary education in East Boston, and graduated from Everett High School, class of 1960.

Josie spent most of her working career in Saugus at the iconic Blue Star, a local bar that catered to the local community, as well as to those who worked for Saugus Iron Works.  There she managed all the day to day operations, and made countless friends with both co-workers and customers.

Josie was a deeply caring and loving single mother, and did everything she could for her daughter Gina.  In 2000, after living in Everett and Saugus for her entire life, Josie moved to Old Orchard Beach.  She worked briefly for LL Bean telemarketing and then took a position at Sam's Club in Scarborough.  To this day, many of her acquaintances and friends from the wholesale club still ask about her.

There were many things that Josie enjoyed, but nothing compared to the passion she had for her grandkids.  Over the years they made many wonderful memories together, from afternoons spent at the movies, to the frequent shopping trips to Toys-R-Us.  Nana was known as the school shuttle for Dustin, Ari and many their friends. She found pleasure in listening to music from the Bee Gees, Barry White, and many Motown classics.  Later in life, when she was less inclined to drive around to shop, she had fun shopping on the QVC network.  Many of the packages that arrived on her doorstep were not for her, as she found much joy in giving these as gifts to friends and family.

Josie was very social, and enjoyed talking and spending time with others.  She had a very tight-knit group of close friends, and once you were part of that circle she would guard and protect you with her life.  She will be sadly missed by many.

Josie is survived by her daughter Gina Martinez and husband Johnny JAM; by her two grandchildren, Ariane Bouchard and fiancé David Holomakoff, and Dustin Bouchard; by her brother Philip Ciulla and wife Helen, along with their four children, Darnell (Carmine), Kerri (Vitaly), Michael, and Christopher, as well as by ten great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her granddaughter's two cats, Ella and Lucy, whom she enjoyed seeing photos & videos of.

A celebration of life will be held at River Winds Farm and Estate, 121 Louden Rd, Saco, on Saturday, April 25, 2026.  The family will greet guests beginning at 12:00pm; a memorial service will start at 12:30pm, followed by a luncheon provided by Blue Elephant Catering.