Josefina Garcia Cortez

Josefina Cortez was born Josefina Garcia in the evening of May 2, 1928, in Coyula, Jalisco, Mexico, the eldest daughter of Miguel and Maria Garcia. As a young girl, her family moved to Jalpa, Jalisco, where she met her future husband, Santana Quintero Cortez. Santana and Josefina were married on June 6, 1950.

Over several years, as they migrated to the United States, they had three sons, Eufrasio, Francisco, and Jose Elias. After completing their migration to the United States for a better life, they had six more children, Maria, Ernestina, Mario, Victor, Leticia, and Rodolfo.

Josefina was a dedicated elder sister to five (5) siblings, a wife, a mother to nine (9) children, a grandmother to twenty-six (26), a great grandmother to thirty-eight (38), and a great-great grandmother to four (4). As impossible as it may seem, she loved everyone the same. Her dedication is documented in her book, “La Cocina de mi Abuelita, recipes and stories from Josefina Garcia Cortez” narrated by her and written by her granddaughter Sandra.

Josefina was a devoted Catholic, who at a young age began reading daily novenas (devotional prayers). Her devotion to daily prayer lasted for well over 80 years. Two of her novenas’ booklets were given to her over 80 years ago by her mother.

Josefina’s hobbies included gardening, cooking, crocheting, and spending time with family.

• Gardening - When Santana and Josefina moved from East Los Angeles to Chino in 2001, she transplanted over 100 different plants from her garden in ELA. Recalling who gave her each plant and on which occasion/year. Her plants were often referred to as her other children.

• Cooking – Josefina spent most of her time in the kitchen preparing meals for eleven (11). She would always make sure that everyone had enough to eat and only then would she serve herself. Her famous “Albondigas” soup was the staple meal that required “the special large pot” for cooking. But every one of her meals tasted as if they came from heaven, as they were all made with love and a bit of salt that was added in the sign of the cross.

• Crocheting – in the evenings to relax, Josefina would crochet full blankets that were needed for the cold weather. Soon all her children had one, then her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and then extended family. The total number made by Josefina was 89 blankets, only stopping when her vision worsened. These blankets are cherished by everyone, giving her family the feeling of her hugs when we are wrapped in them.

Family was Josefina’s greatest joy. Gatherings at her home occurred often. When there was a birthday, special achievement or when family visited from out of town, a gathering would happen. Planned events were often attended by most family members, which easily total in the 90s or low 100s, and there was always enough food for everyone; if we were lucky, it was albondigas soup.

Josefina is preceded in death by her Husband, Santana, her granddaughter, Sylvia Josephine Hernandez, and brother Trinidad Garcia. She is survived by all 9 children, 25 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, 3 sisters and a brother.

A visitation for Josefina will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Chino, 13002 South Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 12686 Central Ave., Chino, CA 91710. A final resting place will occur Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 966 Potrero Grande Dr., Rosemead, CA 91770. A reception will occur Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at American Legion, 13759 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Funerariadelangelchino.com for the Cortez family.