Josephine Garcia

Josephine Garcia died Tuesday, July 3, 2012, in Durango, Colo.

Josie was born in Abiquiu, N. M., August 20, 1920, to Guillermo and Eloisa Martines.

She lived with her grandmother Petra until her grandmother died. Josie was seven years old at the time, and she was sent to an orphanage, where she remained until she was fifteen years old. She was then sent to live with her maternal aunt, Henada. Henada received a message from Josie's father to send Josie to live with his daughter Virginia Vasquez, who was Josie's half-sister.

Josie met and then married Joe Manual Garcia in 1950. They lived in Durango until Mr. Garcia's death in 1989.

She had a good heart and met a lot of people. She involved herself in their lives and helped raise their children. Many of the people employed her as a housekeeper. She was very well known and she became involved in their lives and caring for their children. She enjoyed dancing, nice clothes, jewelry, and shoes. She loved dogs and had many in her lifetime. She is survived by her dog, “Sunshine.”

Her significant other for 17 years, Mateo Loyo, died in 2010. Josie and Mateo lived in Farmington, N.M.

She is survived by her great-niece Rose Martinez Barajas of Payson, Utah, and numerous nieces and nephews.

As her health deteriorated, she was rescued by Amador and Bennie Tucson and Theresa Amato. The family is grateful to them, and will always remember them as “Tia Josie’s” guardian angels.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Renee Fernandez for all the care given to Josie, and to Roxanne from Mercy Hospice for her moral support and care.

A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2012, also at Sacred Heart. Father Joseph Gallegos will be the celebrant.