Josefina "Josie" Velasquez

Our beloved mother Josefina Chavira Velasquez passed away on September 28, 2024 at the age of 77. She died in peace in the comfort of her home. She was surrounded by her children and those she loved. 

She is survived by her older brothers Luis Martinez and Tony Chavira. Her five children, Patricia, Jesus, Enrique, Elizabeth, and David. 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Francisco, Enrique Hernandez, her beloved sister, Celia Maldonado, and grandson Aaron Velasquez.

Mom grew up in the downtown area in El Paso Texas called the 2nd Ward, or in Spanish, El Segundo Barrio, in the 1950s. She grew up in a male-dominated home where she lived with her mother Ignacia, and 3 rough brothers. She was known as "Josie or Joe." She loved and played baseball for her high school, Bowie. She married young and moved to San Francisco, California in the early 1960s and gave birth to 4 children, Pat, Jesus, Henry, and Lisa. In the early 1970's, they all returned to El Paso, TX and gave birth to their last child, David.

Mom worked at K-Mart for almost half her life until she retired in 2008. Mom loved many of her co- workers and some became dear friends. Most moved on in life, but she carried them in her heart until the very end.

Mom was a person of strength. Her philosophy was to always do your best in everything you set out to do. Never be afraid or ashamed to make mistakes or fail at something because that is how one learns. Most importantly, she believed in being a good and responsible person and being patient and understanding of those around. Overall, BE a good person.

Mom was very outgoing and loved sports, especially female sports such as baseball. She loved family celebrations and gatherings, mainly surrounded by those she loved. She loved traveling around visiting her kids or taking family vacations. When she was not busy vacationing she loved her favorite pastime, CROSSWORD PUZZLES. We always wondered where she picked up on the new words. She was very close with her caregivers, Irene, Oti, and Mari. She always expressed her appreciation for their service and friendship, especially when they shared time watching "Gun Smoke" all day.

Mom's departure reinforced our family bond that extends out, not just to her children, but to her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. She will be missed.

Gathering of Remembrance will be from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a Rosary at 12:00 PM, Wednesday, October 09, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East, 750 N. Carolina. Graveside Service will follow at 1:30 PM at Mount Carmel Cemetery. She will be buried with her beloved sister Celia Maldonado.