Josie Ortolano, the “SnoBall Queen”

Josie claimed to be "a one-man's
woman" married to George J. Ortolano
for 66 years until his death in 1997.

Josie with her husband George and
brother-in-law Frank at the Grocery.

Josie posing with a SnoWizard Tee-
Shirt on her 102nd birthday.
Josie Marino Ortolano, 103 years old, born November 17, 1910 in Franklin LA, passed November 20, 2013 in Metairie, LA. In 1936 George invented and manufactured the SnoWizard SnoBall machine, but Josie built the business and supply house with her winning personality, generous spirit, sharp mind, extremely hard work and her determination for success. She created delicious flavors for the SnoBall with an assortment of extracts and flavorings, evaporated and condensed milk resulting in her specialties nectar cream and chocolate cream.
Josie was the sister of Camille Marino, Charles Marino, Angelo Raineri, Mary Marino Schmitt, Sam Marino, Jasper Raineri, Lena Marino Willis and Jake Marino; grandmother to the children of her son the late Anthony J. Ortolano and former wife Dena Landry: George, Tracy, Shaun, Jared, Briton and Chad; great grandmother to Briana, Gabrielle, Riley, Faye and Katie. She will be sadly missed by her goddaughter and niece Georgiana M. Janusa and held in lovingly memory by her many nieces, nephews and godchildren from the Marino and Ortolano families, her many wonderful friends and her caretakers, the American Business Women Association, Louisiana Women for Education, the original Venus Carnival Club and members of St. Philip Niri's Young at Heart.
Josie lived life to its fullest enjoying people and travel, humor and dancing. As Josie moves to her next life, her contribution to the culture of New Orleans will continue to be spread with her "sugar" in the original New Orleans SnoBall for many, many years to come.
Here are a few links to stories written about Josie Ortolano in rememberance of her life and contributions.
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