Josephine A. Marquez

Josie Marquez was called home on July 15, 2018. She was 96 years of age. Although she was not able to walk during the last three years of her life, she did not stop loving life. She was a dedicated member of St. Genevieve's Church. For decades, members of her church remember her walking, with a cane, from her home to attend church services every morning to lead the rosary, regardless of the weather. She was a devout Catholic and dedicated to her family, friends and community. As a child in arms, Josie and her parents moved from Parral Chihuahua, Mexico, to make a better life. Josie was married to Abelardo ‘Lalo' Marquez in 1941. Lalo Marquez served in the Army during WWII. They lived in New York and Texas during the war and made Las Cruces their permanent home. Josie and Lalo had six children. Lalo, partnered with his brother Agapito Marquez in the Marquez Brother's tortilla factory, in Las Cruces. In 1967, Josie attended citizenship classes and became a Naturalized Citizen that year. You couldn't find a prouder person when taking the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America. To say she was a proud American, is an understatement. She could bring a tear to your eye with the pride she displayed when she placed her hand over her heart and belted out the National Anthem. She loved shopping at garden nurseries and supervising the upkeep of her garden. One of her favorite activities was watching the various birds attracted to her bird feeders. She was fascinated with their comical nature. When Josie was mobile she loved her work as a volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul Ministries, a member of the Sacred Heart Society, participating in the church choir and helped with the church annual fiesta which was joyous, for her. Even in her last days, she was very active, going out to eat, looking at all the crafts at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays, taking in Mariachi music concerts, and attending cultural performances. She was very active and interested in taking in as much as possible. She was preceded in death by her parents Antonio and Concha Arambula, Step-Father Elias Jojola; husband Abelardo Marquez; brother Ralph Arambula; two sons Antonio and Ernesto Marquez and Granddaughter Blanca Marquez. She is survived by siblings Polly Russell, Mary Lou Cordova, Frankie Banducci, brothers Elias Jr. Jojola, Johnny Jojola and is survived by her children Joseph, David, Phillip Marquez, and Patsy Blue, along with dozens of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Services will be held at St. Genevieve's Church, 100 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88001. Friday, August 10, 2018 Rosary: 10:00 AM Mass: 10:30 AM Grave Site: St. Joseph's at 11:30 AM In lieu of flowers, please make monetary donations to: St. Vincent de Paul Ministries c/o St. Genevieve's Church 100 S. Espina Las Cruces, NM 88001 Mass Information
Friday, August 10, 2018 10:30am,
St. Genevieve's Catholic Church

100 S. Espina
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Rosary Service
Friday, August 10, 2018 10:00am,
St. Genevieve's Catholic Church

100 S. Espina
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Interment Location
Friday, August 10, 2018,
St. Joseph's Cemetery

100 S Espina St
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001