Josefina "Josie" Casas de la Fuente

Surrounded by her loving family, Josefina (Josie) Casas de la Fuente, 95, passed away peacefully in her home on March 22, 2012. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and also a treasured friend to many. Josefina was a life-long resident of El Paso and member of the Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters. Josefina is survived by her devoted husband of fifty-nine years, Rene J. de la Fuente, five children, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Ricardo Casas (her beloved nephew whom she raised as a son), Dr. Rene J. de la Fuente Jr., (Menira), John de la Fuente (Dr. Deborah Villalba), Roseanne de la Fuente Rueda (Victor), Josefina de la Fuente, ten grandchildren (Rene III, Gabriel, Daniel, Monique, Matthew, Anthony, Christopher, Megan Lauren and Hanna), and four great-grandchildren (Dylan, Kai-ra, Camran and Aubrey). Josefina was a proud graduate of Bowie High School, class of 1935, and retired from the Department of the Army (Civilian employee) after a 30 year career. Josefina was a woman of faith and had a profound compassion for others which she exemplified through her many acts of kindness and generosity. She will be remembered for her zest for life, radiant smile, contagious laugh, and the amazing latin dance steps she shared with her husband. They were affectionately referred to as Tango Charlie and Pineapple Sally. We are blessed and grateful for all the years we shared with mom and remain thankful for her unconditional love and unwavering devotion to our family. She remains a positive influence in our lives. We’d like to express our gratitude to her wonderful caretaker, Lupe Alvarado, Hospice of El Paso, and all her doctors for their support and compassion, especially Dr. Gregory E. Martin and Dr. Gerald McCool. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Martin Funeral West. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 1:00pm at St. Pius Catholic Church, 1050 N. Clark Rd. Pallbearers will be Rene J. de la Fuente III, Gabriel de la Fuente, Daniel Rueda, Matthew de la Fuente, Christopher Rueda and Adrian Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Monique de la Fuente, Megan Langford, Lauren Rueda and Hanna Langford. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Josefina’s memory to Hospice of El Paso, Inc. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, TX 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com