Josephine G. Esquivel

Josephine Esquivel was born on September 26, 1921 in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico and died 97 years later in Fresno, CA. She was the first of eight children born to Enrique and Carlota Gutierrez. Soon afterwards, Josephine and her parents moved to Arizona where the rest of the Gutierrez family was born. After graduating from Williams High School, Josephine took a fateful trip to Fresno, CA to visit her Tio Lencho and Tia Cuca. It was while on this extended visit she met a handsome young man from Pinedale who was serving his country during World War II, Louis Esquivel. After the war ended, they married and settled down in Fresno, CA. They were blessed with six children and often found themselves surrounded with many nieces and nephews at many extended family gatherings.

In her role as wife, mother, and homemaker, Josephine spent many hours as chauffer, cook, "day care" operator, disciplinarian, etc. She also managed time for other things she loved: Sacred Heart Parish, SHS Mother's Club, Guadalupe Society, and YLI (AKA Young Ladies Institute). After the youngest started to attend school, Josephine got a part time job at Cedar Lanes Catering, which helped her purchase extras for the house and family. She loved sports and she LOVED singing and dancing. Her home was always filled with music...all types of music: Augustin Lara, Pete Fountain, Linda Ronstadt, Glenn Miller, Ray Charles, and on and on... And boy did she love to dance!!!! Her love of the Roman Catholic faith combined with her love of music resulted in many years rehearsing and singing as an alto in the Sacred Heart Choir.

Special thanks is extended to the California Armenian Home, and their wonderful staff along with the many friends and neighbors who helped watch over Mom and who brought joy with every visit.

Josephine was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Louis Esquivel; her parents, Enrique and Carlota Gutierrez; her brothers Henry, Raul, Robert, and Tony Gutierrez; along with her sisters, Hortencia Esparza, Carmen DeLaRosa, and Carlota "Kika" Gutierrez. She was also preceded in death by her nephews Bobby DeLaRosa and Henry Gutierrez III.

She is survived by her children Susana and her husband, Jerry Cox; Ramon and his wife Debbie Esquivel; Angie and her husband Steve Strid; Frank and his wife Debra; Albert Esquivel; and Jim and his wife Nancy; grandchildren Vanessa and her husband Paulo Valim; Amber Strid and partner Vince Warner; Kristen and her husband Matt Bartlett; Nathan Strid; Alec and his wife Lainie Esquivel; Alyssa Esquivel; and great grandchildren Sabrina Warner, Colbie Bartlett, Caleb Bartlett.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.