It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Josefa “Fina” Kourous, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, who passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born on August 28, 1934, in Havana, Cuba, Josefa’s life was a testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring pursuit of opportunity. Her parents emigrated from Galicia, Spain, to Havana, Cuba in search of a better life for their family. From an early age, Josefa learned the value of hard work and education-lessons she carried throughout her life and often shared with others. She fondly recalled memories of Cuba, from visits to its beautiful beaches to evenings filled with music and dancing at the Copacabana. She also spoke with pride about helping to support and build her parents’ business.
In 1961, as communism took hold in Cuba, Josefa, along with her husband and their two young children, made the difficult decision to leave their beloved homeland and begin a new life in the United States with little more than hope and determination. Her journey led her to New Jersey, Jacksonville, Gainesville, and eventually Bowling Green, where she raised her children into adulthood. In her retirement years, Josefa enjoyed living in both Cape Coral, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina. She especially treasured time spent at her waterfront condo in Cape Coral, enjoying the beauty and peace of the Gulf waters.
Josefa embodied the American dream. Through unwavering dedication and perseverance, she earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from Bowling Green State University. She became a respected educator with Toledo Public Schools and was honored with a nomination for the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Award, recognizing outstanding professional performance. Josefa dedicated many years to teaching at Waite High School, where she made a lasting impact on generations of students. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Josefa embraced life with warmth, elegance, and joy. She loved cooking and entertaining, and cherished gatherings with family and friends. She had a remarkable eye for decorating and design, always presenting herself beautifully and delighting in the thrill of finding the perfect bargain. Above all, Josefa was deeply proud of the life she built in America and of the happy and successful family she raised after arriving with so little and creating so much through courage and determination.
Fina is survived by her loving children: Alina (Bradley) Haas, Rick (Paula) Girona, and Debbie (Joseph) Sowa; her cherished grandchildren, Kennen, Kristen, Kelly (Ben), Ricky (Kate), Michael (Lauren), Spencer, and Sydney; and her great-grandchildren, Georgina, Brooks, and Beckham. She is also survived by her siblings, Carmita (Getulio) Blanco, Amelia (Rafael) Rodriguez, and Teresita (Alfredo) Sanchez. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Ricardo Girona; her second husband, John Kourous; and her parents Modesto and Aurelia (Fernandez) Galdo.
A graveside service celebrating Josefa’s remarkable life will be held on June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Josefa’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green. www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
