Josefina Zavala

Josefina Zavala was born on January 5, 1944 in Cuidad Obregon, Sonora Mexico. Raised in Los Pinos, Sinaloa, Mexico. Her parents were David Martinez and Maria de la Luz Sandoval de Martinez both born in Guadalajara, Mexico. Josefina was the 2nd child born out of 11 children. She had five brothers: Rigoberto, Pedro, Gilberto, Raul, and Alfredo. She had five sisters: Alfonsina, Carmen Rosalba, Luz Ester, and Rebecca.

At age six, Josefina started to make tortillas to help her mother. When Josefina became an adolescent, her mother would cook and Josefina made tortillas to sell it to the construction workers while her dad worked on the crop fields to help ends meet. Josefina was always willing to help her parents and brother and sisters in whatever they needed. She never questioned anything.

Josefina enjoyed outdoor games. Josefina's favorite sport was running. She would race against everyone in her town. She was undefeated. Josefina also played with the sling shot. She had a great aim; never missed. When Josefina wanted to play tug-a-war , no one would want to play with her, because they knew they would end up in the mud. Josefina and her older brother Rigoberto would play games to earn money. Her brother would start first by making the other children think that he was losing. Then, he would volunteer Josefina to play. The boys would just laugh. Josefina went along making them think she couldn't play. Once she made the boys think she didn't know how to play, she would then go in full force and beat them and take all their money and marbles.

Josefina was very strong and protective of her brothers, that she would fight her brother's battles.

She enjoyed embroidery, which her mother taught her. One of her most favorite past times was dancing. This was a torture for her father and brother Rigoberto because she dragged them to every single town dance.

In October 1959, Josefina met her future husband ( Aurelio Zavala) while she was helping her mother feed the construction workers. When Josefina first notice Aurelio, she thought he was a conceited, arrogant, and mean person. The reason was because he was a city man, and would stare and tried to make conversation with her. Three months later they were married. They were married for 40 prosperous and happy years.

They married in December 15, 1959. In the city of Culiacan Sinaloa, Mexico. They had six children. Three sons, Aurelio, Juan Manuel and David Angel, and three daughters, Luz Raquel, Reyna Leticia, and Angela. She had fourteen grandchildren, Luis Adrian, Richard Anthony, Rebecca Marie, Sara Denise, Jonathan Taylor, Marisa, Juan (Johnny) Manuel , Michael Guadalupe , Daniel, Ricardo Valentino, Ryan Zachary, Christopher Michael, Michael Angel, and Dominik Aurelio. She had one great granddaughter Olivia Marie; two step granddaughters Jennevie Berlin , Brittney Nycholette, and one step great grandson Evan Jordan.

Josefina's best friends which she also considered like sisters were her husband's sisters and niece Carmen Loaiza. Josefina became like a sister to all of them. They took the time to teach her how to cook and sew. Josefina mastered those skills.

Josefina joined her husband Aurelio in the United States on April 1969,with their four children. The Saenz Family helped Aurelio prepare for the homecoming of his wife and children. Pedro and Enriquetta helped Aurelio find a home for Josefina and four children. They found a one bedroom home in the city of Anaheim, California. Pedro and Enriquetta Saenz became their adopted parents and Mary Carrillo and Lucy Raber [daughters of Pedro and Enriquetta] became their adopted sisters. They mentored Josefina and Aurelio through the way of living in United States. They also helped them enroll their children in school and catechism. Josefina also attended school for a brief period all the while loving and learning the English language and the culture of the United States.

They lived in Anaheim until early 1973. Aurelio found a job in Santa Ana, California. They decided they had to move so that he can be closer to his job. After a couple of years, Josefina and Aurelio decided they should buy a house to start building for the future. In order for them to qualify for a home, Josefina had to start working. Josefina's first job was working at Van's. Josefina would cry everyday going into work. Even though Aurelio and her talked and planned out of how they could purchase a home, Josefina felt that her husband did not love her. Aurelio would tell her, "It's just temporary until we qualify for a home. This is our step stone to our future". Josefina did not like working at Van's so she quit and found a job at Jensen's Wemac where she worked until June 1985. They bought their first home just two blocks from where they were currently living. In this home their three oldest children grew up and they had their first two grandchildren. In December 1983, they decided it was time to move to a bigger home. They found a home, they called home until they passed away. In this home they finished bringing up their children and grand children.

Josefina and Aurelio's house became a place to be. Josefina enjoyed cooking for all her love ones. She was very happy to entertain her husband's family. Josefina and family did not know what it was to eat at a restaurant. She cooked all three meals with homemade tortillas, and never went out to eat. Her first time she went out to eat, was to eat at A&W Hamburgers. That became a big treat for her and the family. It was like going out to eat at a 5-Star restaurant. Even though she enjoyed eating out, she preferred to cook for her family. Her most popular foods were flour tortillas, oatmeal, enchiladas, tamales, barbacoa, beans, sopa de fideo.

In the early 1980s, her husband Aurelio started to teach Josefina how to drive. Aurelio would take her and their two youngest daughters to this industrial area in Santa Ana, California. Aurelio had a 1978 Ford Pick-up truck, and he was teaching her how to drive in this truck. Aurelio did not have much patience in teaching her. Aurelio took her out a couple of times, and gave up on teaching her. Josefina never learned how to drive. She depended on her husband and children to take her out.

When Josefina became a grandmother her grandchildren became her life. She spoiled all her grandchildren giving them so much love and food. She also became an adoptive grandmother to her children's friends and nephews children. The children quickly learned that when Friday came by, they would not be eating Grandma's food for two days, they started asking her for food that would last through the weekend.

Raquel: I have so many memories of mom that I could write a book. I was so lucky because I had the most wonderful mother in the world. Mom made my dresses which made me the envy of all the girls at school. Mom also made clothes for my Barbie dolls. I enjoyed watching mom cook and sometimes she would let me help her. I remember thinking," I want to be like my mom when I grow up". I grew up but I do not think I am like my mom because mom has unique qualities. One thing mom and I have in common is that we have a great relationship. I refer to mom in a loving way as my partner in crime. We love going to the movies and yes we did fight over the popcorn. We went window shopping and after and exhausting day of shopping we had a pretzel from Auntie Annes and cafe mocha from Coffee Bean. One of my most memorable experience with mom was when I took her to a concert. She had never been to a concert. I took her to Jose Luis Rodriguez ( El Puma) concert. I enjoyed watching her facial expressions more than the concert. Mom being so shy and quiet just sat quietly but I could see she was very excited to see El Puma. All the women were standing and screaming but mom just kept her hands close to her chest clapping with softly. I finally told mom to stand up and scream. Mom stood up, but was still shy to let go. After this concert, I took her too many concerts. Mom never screamed, but did standup and showed her excitement. I feel like a part of me gone, but I know some day we will be together again. You will always love you and keep you in my heart.

Aurelio: My most fond memories of mom was as a little boy, I would lay down on her lap and she would do piojito (stroke my hair) and talk to me until I fell asleep. Also when no one was home, I enjoyed talking with her. We would have many different conversations for hours. During our conversation mom would be preparing our next meal. Time would go so fast, it seemed like I had just sat down to talk when in reality had been hours. Her favorite thing to say during our conversation was, "A poco (really)".

Juan: As I was a little boy, I remember mom getting up at 4, 5, or 6 in the morning to make fresh breakfast for dad and make him lunch so he could take to work. Mom would stay up till we got up for school to feed us . As I grew up I would see how she would take care of dad and us and she never complain of being tried or sick even when she was. As I grew up more and I became a man of God, I see how mom was a example of a woman that submitted to God's will and realize she wasn't just a mom, she was the woman God want moms to be.

Thank you mom for being a great example and a loving mom.

Reyna [Lety]: I do not know how to begin expressing of how I remember Mom. There are so many great and grand memories of her that it is difficult to put it all in a paragraph. Mom was shy, kind, loving, understanding, easy to talk to. She had so much patient that I sometimes would say to her "How can you be so patient and calm ?" She would smile and say, "Well, what good is it for me to get angry if my anger will not let me reason and when you are calm you can think and reason better"( "de que me serve de que me enoje si haci no puedo pensar. y cuando tienes calm piensa mejor."). When I was a child I remember in how I would just watched everything she would do. She always looked beautiful, and always had a smile. Except when she would get angry at us. She never yelled at us or showed any anger, all she had to say "Just wait until your father comes home". That's when we knew we had gotten her real upset. We never knew when if or if she would tell dad. During the past few months before her passing away, mom and I would sit at the table after breakfast and she would talk and talk about her childhood, of her prospers marriage, us her children and grandchildren. She share so many great wonderful memories. But one of the last one that I so hold dearly in my heart is when one morning she was refusing to eat and I cooked her three small meals for her to eat the one that seemed more appetizing. In a loving way scolded at her and told her she needed to eat because we need her to stay strong. She looked up, smile and told me "Your children are so lucky to have a mother like you and Ricardo (my husband) is so lucky to have a wife like you." Mom loved all her children and grandchildren so dearly that she fought as long as she could to be able to live another day to be with us. We love you so much. You will always be in our hearts.

Angela (Gina): How I remember mom is when I was a little girl, I used to love sitting on her bed and watch her get ready. To me mom was the most beautiful mom there could be. I would see how she took off her rollers and just ran her fingers through her hair. Then she would put lipstick on. Mom didn't use much make-up. She was all done ready for dad to see her. Mom always looked beautiful for dad. She wore her skirts that showed her gorgeous legs. Mom really never used pants. Being one of the youngest I got to stay home with mom while everyone was at school. After my brothers and sisters left to school and mom cleaned the kitchen, mom would turn on the T.V. and do exercise with Jack Lalane. I would join her because I wanted to be as beautiful as she was. I also attended school with her when she was taking classes to learn to speak English. When I turned five years old I had to go to school. That's when I first broke her heart. I enjoyed being with mom that I would tell her I felt sick so that I could stay home with her. When she realized what I was doing she made me stay in school and I cried my heart out. As I got older I did not make things difficult for mom. I actually couldn't wait to eat breakfast, because she would make home-made flour tortillas and arroz con leche. When I became engage, I wanted to be just like mom. I will ask her for her recipes. She told me that I didn't need recipes, that cooking comes from the heart. Mom never stop feeding my heart or tummy. When I became a mother and I would bring my son Christopher to her in the mornings, mom always had breakfast ready for me. To mom we always had to eat no matter how busy or late we were. I was blessed with the parents God gave me. I will forever be grateful .

David: My mom to me was the most amazing mom ever. She raised her own children and she raised 14 grandchildren as her own. My mom has shown me and taught me how to walk a path of selflessness, love and integrity. To be honest I think I gave my mom the most headaches lol. But my mom never gave up on my little rebellious ways. She gave and showed unconditional love again, again. Mom if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have ever known how to show and give love, or even known what a real love should be like. I love you very much and thank you for all the great memories and lessons you have given me.

Luis: As odd as it may sound, I was most fond of grandma’s cooking. Here is the reason. I remember when I would spend the night, and this was when Tata was still alive, and early in the morning she would be up cooking breakfast for grandpa. I would sometimes get out of bed just to be with them. I would go to grandma and say, “Ama, tengo hambre”. Never would she refuse me. And I knew each time she was selfless like that she was telling me she loves me. I will miss just being with you Ama.

Anthony: Grandma never ran out of stories or tortillas. Grandma, because of you, I have memories of you and grandpa that will last me a life time and I can pass it down to Olivia and my kids.

P.S. Grandma it's going to be much harder to get rid of stuff around the house because now you will always be watching over me....

Love you

Becky:Grandma, You were always more like a second mother to me than an actual grandma. You were always there to keep me warm when I was cold, take care of me when I was ill, cook me food when I was hungry, and made me feel so safe when I was scared. We always had a good close relationship, and it saddens me to know that you are gone forever. However, just because you’ve return with Tata, doesn’t mean you will be forgotten. I truly believe you are looking down from Heaven and protecting all of us. I love you very much and you will never be forgotten for the lovely person you are.

Love always,

Rebecca Horn

Sara:Grandma. She loved to complain, but the one thing she did best was being the strong woman that she was. She struggled for so many years and she continued to fight day in and day out. This past Christmas, one of which I will never forget. I remember we were all sitting at her table eating and talking. Anthony was eating the last of the tamales, complaining that one was plain. To our dismay, as my Nina Raquel said, he was eating the “tonto” tamale. Grandma laughed hysterically and almost spat out her food. That was the first time I have ever seen her so happy and so full of life….her laugh and smile will be in my heart for eternity until we meet again as angels. I will miss you abuelita. Da besos y abrazos a tata. Te amo los dos con todo mi Corazon- Tu Sarita

Christopher: Abuelita, You were my strength. You showed me what it was to be physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. From the stories my mom and tias tell of how hard, fast, and accurately you would throw a chankla. To how strong and tough I saw you be with your illness. So from me to you for the strength and toughness you have given me. Abuelita te quieromucho.

P.S. I will be expecting my tamales when we meet again.

Jonathan:

Grandma; The person who made people smile, and who made everyone feel comfortable. She made by far the best spaghetti in the world, and it always made me feel warm and full. There was no moment of grief or sadness when Grandma was around.

Michael Angel: Grandma always look and took care of me ever since I was a little baby, she treated the whole family with love. Grandma made the best enchiladas ever!!!! She is the greatest cook and grandma!!!!

Ricardo (Ricky) and Ryan: Grandma was great. We did many things with grandma. Sometimes grandma would get us in trouble with our mom. She would ask us if we know where mommy kept candies or cookies. Of course we did. Grandma would give us a glass of milk and allow us to eat cookies or candies before our meals. It wasn't all the time. When mom found out she scolded at us and grandma. Ryan and I could not believed mom scolded at grandma. Mom explained to us that grandma was not supposed to eat any sweet unless mommy monitor the amounts of sweets for grandma. We had to hide our candies and cookies from grandma. We felt sorry because grandma could not eat any sweets unless her sugar level was low or it was okay with our mommy. Ryan: I remember when Ricky and I made a bubble show for grandma. She was so happy. Then we made a light show for her in the hallway. She played with us.

Dominik’s favorite memory:

“Waking up to give Grandma ‘medicina ‘ in the morning and eating pancakes!” and I asked him what else? He said, “Snuggling in the morning!,”

Josefina was a loving, caring, quiet, shy woman. Yet she had a good sense of humor. She had initiative and determination to start and finish projects. Her joy and pride was to keep her husband and children happy.

Our beloved mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend passed away at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, Fountain Valley, California on January 23, 2011 at 7:43 pm. She fought a brave battle against multiple illnesses.