Josie Cuevas

Josie Cuevas was born on April 11, 1922 to Maria Villegas and Jesus Lopez in Converse, Texas. Five years later she was blessed with her little brother, Santos “Bobby” Baiza, whom she genuinely adored and cared for.

At the age of 23 she fell in love at “un baile” with a debonair dancer and master mason — David Cuevas. They shined at the Texas conjuntos dancing, showing off their skills of everything from the jitterbug to cumbias, as David danced into her heart.

On April 8, 1945 Josie married the love of her life, David Cuevas, through the Catholic faith at Christ of King church in San Antonio.

Their life soon became bountiful, bringing forth 10 (yes, 10!) loving children.

Josie was an extraordinary woman, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother to her family. She led an inspiring life by example through her strong Catholic faith and consistent daily prayer. She loved to bless people with “La Bendición” before leaving on long journeys or simply keeping them in her prayers for happy lives.

She would instantly light up any room with her infectious smile and warm embrace. Her kindness, gentle heart, and giving nature made

her a true joy to all who knew her — including her garden.

Throughout her life, Josie not only cared for her family, but she carefully tended to her roses, fruit trees and her Wishing Well of blooms, a gift from her loving husband. On many afternoons, one could find Josie tending to her plants and feeding the birds that came to visit too.

From her familia to her food, Josie put love into everything she created. Anyone who stepped into her famous cocina was greeted with the scent of hand-ground spices and wafts of sizzling savories from her cast iron skillet — all while preparing the most incredible homemade tortillas by hand. She would offer meals “a la orden” to make sure everyone felt welcome and special.

Her ability to make everybody who came into her life feel special will be greatly missed. And though the legacy she leaves behind will be cared for, nobody could make you smile like Josie.

Josie’s last days were spent at home surrounded by her family being happy and embraced by the beauty, power, and softness of nature. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2017 enjoying the birds and cardinals feeding in the trees.

Josie Cuevas is lovingly survived by many adoring family members including her children; David Cuevas Jr. and wife Maria Cuevas, Irene Cuevas, Roger Cuevas, Richard Cuevas, Armando Cuevas, Ernest and wife Virginia Cuevas, Hector Cuevas, Orlando and wife Nina Cuevas, Edward and wife Patricia Cuevas, Ralph and wife Angela Cuevas. She also is survived by 18 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren proud to carry on her name and traditions in her honor.