Josefina Rocha-Cabral

Josefina Rocha-Cabral was born on February 14, 1945 in Guanajuato, Mexico to her father, Jose Rocha Leon, and mother, Jesus Martinez Alcocer. Along with her brothers and sisters she grew up in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico working in the farming community. In her early twenties, she seized an opportunity to work in New Mexico, USA, for a family who needed a caretaker for their special needs daughter.

It was there, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, when her life changed forever. In December of 1969, at a Christmas party hosted by her bosses, she met Francisco Rivera Cabral. Josefina was singing the song Silent Night in Spanish, and Francisco was mesmerized; it was love at first sound. Six short months later, on July 18, 1970, they married and started a family.

Together, they created a loving home for their four sons, Gerald, Juan, Robert and Patrick. They were blessed in the ability for Josefina to be a full-time homemaker and she did a tremendous job raising her boys to be respectful men. Their union led to the addition of more family that include four daughters-in-law, Michelle, Veronica, Marion and Stefanie, nine grandchildren, Victoria, Angel, Tonantzin, Amilcar, Tatiana, Nitza, Mateo, Emilio and Alena, and four significant others-in-law, Chris (Victoria), Jacob (Tonantzin), Alexis (Amilcar) and Sarah (Angel). It is safe to say, Josefina was happiest when she was in the presence of her grandchildren.

Josefina had a great laugh, made a friend wherever she went, and did her fair share of telling jokes. She spent countless hours crocheting and sewing, and loved singing to her plants, whether it was her rose bushes, indoor house plants or her aloe vera plants. She had a sound to her voice and laugh that stood out in crowds, even when outdoors. All you had to do was be at a ball game that one of her sons or grandkids was playing in and you could hear her rooting for them no matter where you were sitting. She was always in attendance with her Padres visor, Chargers jacket, and folding chair to watch her sons and grandkids play. One of her favorite things to do was to catch a Padres game with her sons and grandkids. Her all-time favorite Padres player was Steve Garvey.

Other favorite pastimes were playing cards and going to just about any casino to try her luck on the slot machines. Josefina loved “estilo norteño” music, especially because of the accordion. Music was heard in her house at all hours of the day from her boom box, record player or the portable radio next to her bed. What she loved most about music was that it gave her the opportunity to dance with her husband. She loved dancing with Francisco and you would always see them on the dance floor at every family party.

Josefina and Francisco amazingly celebrated 54 years of marriage this past July. Their bond was special, and an example of true love. Humbly, Josefina lived a wonderful life as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, Comadre, Nina, and friend and was so proud of her family, especially her sons.

A visitation for Josefina will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585. A Rosary will occur Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6:00pm, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585. A funeral service will occur Friday, November 8, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Resurrection Catholic Church Escondido, 1445 Conway Dr, Escondido, CA 92027. A graveside service will occur Friday, November 8, 2024 from 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.