Josephine L. (Briones) Alvarado

Josefina L. (Briones) Alvarado, 96 years old, beloved mother and matriarch of our family passed peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 23. “Josie” or “Chata” as she was affectionately known by family and friends was born to Josefina Rangel and Agustin Luevano on January 4, 1922 in El Paso, Texas where she lived her entire life. She attended Beall and Aoy Elementary Schools and graduated from Bowie High School in 1940. Preceded in death by sons Fernie and Gilbert Briones, and husbands Ernesto Briones Sr. and Guillermo Alvarado. She is survived by eight children; Ernesto E. Briones, (Rosie); David Briones (Delia); Beatriz (Bea) Briones Esparza; Ralph Briones (Letty); Dolores Briones (Ybarra); Lucy Briones Vera; Angie Briones (Sosa) of San Jose, California; and Rick Briones (Sylvia) of Fort Worth, Texas as well as 19 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by three sisters Maggie Silva, Lucy Syposs, and Adelina Palma of Venice, California; and two brothers Agustin Luevano, Jr. and Ignacio Luevano of El Paso as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mom instilled in us the value of sharing what we had with others. She was open-minded, and taught us to live life to the fullest, never succumbing to the odds. Her food as well as her funny, inspirational stories was our “Chicken Soup for the Soul” long before the book. She taught us that education was the most valuable thing in the world because it could never be taken from us. Mom was a progressive parent compared to others in her generation, raising her sons and daughters as equals, insisting that we take care of one another, and believing in our ability to succeed. She taught us to face life’s challenges with determination, perseverance, and a positive attitude. She stayed active well into her 80s, going to VFW dances, socializing with friends, taking the greyhound bus to visit her sisters in California, and joining them on many trips to Las Vegas. No one could tell a joke (in English or Spanish) like Mom; no one could cook like Mom; and no one was more stubborn than Mom. She was witty and funny and had a sharp mind, she was an avid reader. Goodbye, Dearest Mom. You are now in heaven with your sons, Fernie and Gilbert, your grandchildren Marcos and Matthew, and your beloved saint, La Virgen de Guadalupe. We’ll miss you, mom, but you will never be forgotten. You will live on in our hearts with cherished memories that bring a smile to our face whenever we hear music, dichos, or chistes that remind us of you. Special acknowledgement for Mom’s caregivers: Dr. Dwayne Aboud, Chief Medical Director, Cima Hospice, and Lizette Hernandez, R.N. as well as Maria Austin and family, Caty, Monica, Cristy, and Esperanza who provided loving and compassionate care. Services begin with a viewing from 5-7pm on Monday, April 2 followed by the prayer vigil at 7pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 N Carolina Drive, El Paso, Texas with the Rev. Marcus McFadin. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1050 N. Clark with the Rev. Sam Rosales. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Oblate Missions, 323 Oblate Drive, P.O. Box 659432, San Antonio, TX 78265-9432.