Josefina “Josie” DeLaya

January 8, 1921 – December 2, 2022

   One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord. Psalm 27:4.

On Friday morning, December 2^nd, our mother, matriarch of our family at the age of 101, Josefina “Josie” DeLaya entered her eternal rest, only eight hours after our brother honored a promise he made to her of bringing her home from the hospital. Her legacy will be secured in our hearts and seared in our memories. Her unconditional love, limitless support, and guidance was based on a belief of Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer.

She was blessed with a long life during which she made an impact not only on her family but her friends and neighbors. She never raised her voice, but her silence spoke volumes at times of redirection. And her praise was loudly demonstrated by her presence in times of accomplishments.

She was generous to those who were in need whether a sick neighbor that she would gift with a meal, or one of her children or grandchildren by volunteering a solution to our problem.

Grandma Josie was both caregiver and babysitter. Remembered by neighbors as a virtuous, noble woman she was described as, “un gran modelo”.

Mom was a great cook whom our father blamed for his expanding waistline. Neighbors would usually find a reason to stop by at supper time asking, “What smells so good?” Well into our mother’s eighties, she enjoyed cooking lunch for our brother, Bill, who had a standing reservation at her table every weekday. She was especially known for her pumpkin empanadas. Having lived through the depression, both our parents were recyclers and found use for everything. Those empanadas were made from fresh pumpkins left over from fall decorations. She would freeze the pulp and use it throughout the year.

Our parents shared a love of gardening. It gave them great pride to not only enjoy but share the fruits and vegetables they grew in their backyard. Mom had a green thumb and was quite successful in growing plants and flowers from cuttings and seeds. After she became bedridden, she had a full view of her backyard and the beautiful, lush flowers and shrubs. Their knowledge of plants included knowing names of unusual varieties, and how and when to prune, water and fertilize them.

Grandma Josie was an avid Spurs and Cowboys fan. She was able to attend several games of both teams in their home stadium/arena. Whenever visitors expected or unexpected, family or not, arrived you could be sure of being offered something to eat or drink. She welcomed everyone and was concerned about making their stay comfortable.

We are so grateful to have been blessed with our mother. We, her family, are who we are because of her presence in our lives. We shall honor our mother by living what she taught us: have faith in God, treat everyone with respect, and love one another.

Preceding her death are her parents: Apolonio and Maria de Jesus Garza and her husband, of 62 years Clayton V. DeLaya. Grandma Josie will be remembered by her children: JoAnn (Miguel Trevino), Jean C. (Miguel Hinojosa) and Willaim “Bill” DeLaya (Debbie), her grandchildren: Liza Hinojosa Perez (Eddie), Cordelia Coerver (Richard), Mike Trevino III (Stephanie), Stevan M. Hinojosa (Elizabeth), Rebecca Leinaar (Kyle) and her great-grandchildren: Nico, Jake, Allie, Avah, Elan, Lucas, Brayden, Bryce, and longtime friend and neighbor Inocencia Garcia, also her caregivers: Alejandra Iglesias, Nelly Juarez, and Amparo Samaniego.

The family will be receiving guests on Friday, December 9, 2022, in the Angelus Chapel at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Mother Cabrini Catholic Church, located at 3018 Davis Ave, Laredo, TX 78040. The Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 pm. A private Interment will follow.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com.