JOSEPHINE G. BALDONADO
(JOSIE)
March 18, 1947 – March 14, 2022
Josephine “Josie” Galvan Baldonado, age 74, left this world peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2022, and was greeted in heaven by her parents, Juan and Micaela Galvan, baby sister Michaele “Nego” Galvan, her long-time companion Clyde McCoy, and her faithful blue heeler Zipper McCoy.
Josie was the second of four children born on March 18, 1947 in Mesilla, New Mexico to Juan E. Galvan and Micaela B. Galvan. Josie is survived by her two daughters, Lisa and husband Charles Jenkins and Priscilla and husband Karl Gonzales, two grandchildren, Ernest Lucero and Destiny Saldana, and a great-grandson, Dante Terrae Sellers. Josie is also survived by her older brother and sister-in-law, Johnny B. and Anita Galvan, and by her younger sister and brother-in-law Lydia and Edward Evaro, along with many nieces and nephews.
Josie grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico and graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1965. She married Arturo Baldonado in 1965 and together they had their 2 daughters. She began her career at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) immediately out of high school and worked as a secretary before becoming the first woman Fire Inspector with the WSMR Fire Department. She enjoyed her job at the Fire Department for many years. Josie was given an upward mobility opportunity and went to school to become an Engineering Technician. Josie ended her career at WSMR after 36 years of civil service.
Josie grew up loving music and was most happy dancing to her Dad Juan’s trio, ‘Los Naturales’ and her brother Johnny’s ‘Four Count Band’. After retirement, Josie found enjoyment and relaxation in fishing on the river levees and cruising with Mac on their Harley while traveling the southwest. She also loved spending time with her family while listening to good music and enjoying some nice cold beers in the sun.
Josie was a strong, independent, hard-working, loving and caring mother, daughter, aunt and sister. She was a super cook, in which she passed that talent on to both of her daughters. Josie had an awesome sense of humor along with a beautiful personality. She kept the family together and was the center of all family gatherings until the reigns were handed to her daughters.
Josie was fortunate to have had the care of several loving caregivers including Norma, Renee, Klarissa, Amber, Carly, Sol, Nelly and Rita. The family would also like to give sincere thanks to Mesilla Valley Hospice Nurse Amy and CNA Prisma for their compassionate care of our Mother.
A Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at La Paz — Graham’s Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery next to her Sister Michaele galvan.
Josie will forever be in our hearts along with all the precious moments she left with us.
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Published by Perches – Graham’s Funeral Home (La Paz – Graham’s Funeral Home) on Mar. 17, 2022.
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