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GRIJALVA -- Josephine Tafoya Grijalva, age 93, left her beloved family to join the Lord on May 24, 2009. Josephine was born in Hillsboro, NM on December 22, 1915, to Adolfo and Adela Chavez Tafoya. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie A. Grijalva, her parents, son-in-law Wilfred Sanchez, siblings Selia Baca, George Tafoya, Maggie Austin, Mary Elizabeth Tafoya, Sista Tafoya, and Raymond Tafoya. Josephine is survived by her two daughters, Bonnie Gomez and husband Ruben, and Betty Jo Sanchez; grandchildren, Ruben Anthony Gomez and wife Julie Griego, Cissy Santillanes and husband Jeff, Steve Sanchez and wife Shauna, Joey Rae Sanchez Fabsits and husband Michael; great-grandchildren Jessica Martinez and husband Sebastian, Jaime Cherry and fiancee Jaime (Junior) Castro, Jennifer Wessell and husband Jeff, Kelly Robertson and wife Amanda, Katherine & Kristyn Santillanes; great-great-grandchildren Andrea and Savanna Wessell, Luke Martinez, Rochel, Shayann & Roxion Sanchez, and Wil Sanchez Fabsits; sisters, Priscilla Peterson, and Stella Caperton; sisters-in-law, Priscilla Tafoya & Ellen Tafoya Tow; a very special niece Patsy Escarzega Simpson, and close family friend, Nettie Alvarez; many nieces and nephews and close friends. A pioneer resident of Mimbres, New Mexico, Josephine, along with her husband Willie, operated the Grijalva Apple Orchard for many years. She relocated to Santa Fe after the death of her husband, where she became very active in Senior Affairs. She served for many years as Secretary of the Senior Council, and did extensive volunteer work at the Luisa Senior Citizen Center. She was named Senior Citizen of the Year many times for her work on behalf of senior citizens. Josephine loved to read, play bingo and cards, dance, and do ceramics. She created many beautiful pieces, most of which she gave to friends and family; but most of all, she loved her family deeply and centered her life around them. She will be greatly missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know her. She was a devout Catholic and was very active in the church for many years. Visitation will be from 5 p.m., with Rosary at 6 p.m. on May 29, 2009, at Bright Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday May 30, 2009 at 10 a.m., at San Lorenzo Catholic Church, San Lorenzo, NM, with Father Flores as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Grijalva family cemetery on Bear Canyon Dam Road, Mimbres, NM. Pallbearers will be Ruben Anthony Gomez, Steve Sanchez, Kelly Robertson, Jeff Santillanes, Jeff Wessell, Michael Fabsits, Larry Martinez & Dominic DiGuglielmo. Honorary pallbearers will be Ruben Gomez, Vicente Ojinaga, Reymundo Esparza, Ginno Tafoya, Armando Martinez, Ricky, Ronnie, Robbie and Randy Tafoya and Arthur Archuletta. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Fair Winds Retirement Community (formerly Acantilado Vista), especially Susanna, Mabel, Maria and Darlene, for the wonderful loving care they provided to Josephine. The family would also like to thank the staff at Lovelace Hospital, West Side and Vista Care Hospice, and especially Dr. Wood, for the support and care they provided during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements by Bright Funeral Chapel, 210 W. College Avenue, Silver City, New Mexico 88061. Phone Number: (575) 388-1911.
        Published on: Fri May 29, 2009