Josephine Cuevas

Josephine C. Cuevas, widow of Fernando Cuevas, passed into eternal life on April 29, 2015 to be with her sweetheart of 60 years. “Jo” to her friends and “Fina” or “Josie” to her family, will be greatly missed for her laughter, stories, hospitality, and thoughtfulness.

She was born May 16, 1934 in Santa Paula, California to Abelino and Rosalia Castro. The oldest daughter in a family of 6 brothers and younger sister, she learned to be independent and accomplished. She was responsible for a weekly radio program while a student at Santa Paula Union High School that featured updates on student activities and events. In her senior year, she won the crown of the Lemon Festival Queen. Upon graduation, she earned a scholarship to attend UCLA where she planned to enter into business and administration. She had already begun working as a bank teller with Bank of America.

During this time, Jo had an admirer who would soon become her husband. She knew Fernando since her early school days; he had taken her to his freshman prom when she was in 8th grade. Upon his graduation, he joined the Army so that he could take advantage of the college benefits upon his return. He asked her to marry him and she said ‘yes’. Putting her college plans on hold, she continued to work at the Bank saving money for their future while he was away serving in the Korean Conflict.

50 years later with four children and 3 grandchildren, they celebrated their special life together as they reaffirmed their marriage vows. During the previous 50 years, Jo learned to play the piano in her 30’s—a childhood dream; she created art with her children sewing a quilt with the image of her son standing with a baseball in his hand or drawing handsome pencil prints of her family; created family traditions teaching a new generation – and their friends -- how to make tamales, complete with her signature olives! She volunteered after retirement at the Enloe Community Hospital in Chico learning how to use the computer and software programs in her late 60’s. During her life with Fernando, they traveled the world and country always making new friends and enjoying life. And still independent, she drove by herself several times a year to visit her father and siblings in southern California several hours away. She continued to drive by herself to visit family after Fernando passed, the loving big sister to her younger siblings and the loving ‘comadre’ to her husband’s family.

Jo is survived by her children, Maria Dolores Cuevas of Yakima WA, Laura Elena Cuevas of Chowchilla, CA, Ronald Vincent Cuevas of Eugene, OR, and RoseAnne Cuevas Garcia of Fresno, CA; her beautiful grandchildren, Talon Rhae Somera, Isabella Talia Cuevas, and Peter Anthony Garcia; and siblings Robert Castro, Gilbert Castro and Francis Chacon.

A small private service will be held to commemorate her life. The family asks for their prayers and privacy at this time. Condolences may be offered by visiting WhitehurstSullivan.com.

Whatever you called her, ‘dear’, mama, Fina, Jo, Josie, or Mrs. Cuevas, she was greatly loved and was loved back just as much. We will miss you and your laugh and always loving presence.