Josephine Mary Elizondo

Josie was born in 1934 in Azusa, California, to Roman Zavala and Florentina Rodriguez Zavala. One of eight children, she grew up in a hardworking family. Although her father was a migrant farm worker who often traveled with the family to Northern California for work, Josie persevered and successfully completed her education, earning her high school diploma—an achievement she held with pride.

Later in life, Josie met her future husband, Edward Elizondo, when he came to perform at her church in a Mexican operetta. She famously “tamed” the wild, musical Texan, and the two were married in 1955. Together, they had five children and built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Faith was central to Josie’s life. She prayed her novena nightly, drawing strength and comfort from her deep spiritual devotion, which sustained her through many challenges. She devoted herself to her family as a homemaker and housewife until her daughters were older, after which she returned to work for several years.

Josie was an avid reader and gardener and remained actively involved in her community, including participation in city council activities. She and Edward were members of several Hispanic social clubs, where they proudly held leadership roles and formed lasting friendships.

Throughout her life, Josie faced serious health challenges with remarkable determination and strength, including a battle with breast cancer, which she overcame. Despite compromised health, she and Edward continued to enjoy life together. They shared a love of travel, taking cruises and visiting Las Vegas, Mexico, and Europe—experiences that brought her great joy and a well-earned sense of freedom.

In her later years, as her health challenges increased and after the loss of her husband—her rock—Josie was deeply affected. Surrounded by love, her family ensured that she was able to live out her final days with dignity, in the home she cherished, among family and friends.

Josie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Elizondo, as well as all seven of her siblings. She is survived by four of her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

Josephine Mary Elizondo will be remembered for her unwavering faith, resilience, devotion to family, and quiet strength. Her legacy of love lives on through the generations she leaves behind.