Josie A. Bustamante

1927-2018 Josie Bustamante passed away peacefully on September 16, 2018, at her home in Belen, NM, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a long, productive life but the years weighed heavy and, tired, she was ready to go to her rest. Josie is survived by her husband of almost 71 years, Onesimo Bustamante, six children; Michael (Cheryl), Margaret (Tim), Veronica, Clara (Greg), Edward and Richard. Josie spent many years being a loving and instructive presence for her ten grandchildren; Nichole, Carlos, Antonia, Mercedes, Ana, Dimitri, Vincent, Michael, Sam and Gloria, all of whom will miss their grandma deeply. She was sorry she could not spend a little more time with her great-grandchildren; Kamrynn, Dylan, Lola, Decca, her namesake Josie, Asher and Zachary. Josie was born Antonia Josefa Griego in Sena, NM, one of ten children who survived to adulthood. She was the last of her siblings to pass away. Her Griego ancestors traced their roots in New Mexico to the Onate expedition of 1598. Possessed of a deep native intelligence, she loved going to school as a youngster. Unfortunately, because of family obligations and prevalent social norms, she was not allowed to continue her formal education as she wanted, a circumstance she felt and regretted her entire life. By any measure, however, Josie led a resoundingly successful life of service to her family, church and community. (And she took the occasional trip to Europe and Guatemala.) Josie instilled a love of education and learning in her own children and made sure they all had the opportunity and will to go as far as they wished. All of her children finished post-secondary degrees. A fierce protector of her family, she was also not afraid to point out when one of us went astray. She was a long time member of the Franciscan Third Order while living in Grants, NM, and she spent countless hours volunteering at the church and the parish school. Displaying an unmatched work ethic, Josie worked alongside Onesimo for 30 years at their service station in Grants. Her home was always spotless. (Her devotion to vacuuming bred a loathing of vacuum cleaners in more than one of her children.) Josie was a great cook; her tortillas and chile were “to die for.” She was a skilled seamstress and loved to crochet. In retirement she and Onesimo dedicated themselves to gardening, their grandchildren and keeping up with the news. Josie had a wonderful memory and acted as the extended family’s oral historian. Her passing leaves a void that will not be filled. The family extends its gratitude to the hospice personnel and daily caregivers who eased her last days. A particular thank you is extended to Mario, her Eucharistic minister, who brought the Blessed Sacrament to Josie at her home for almost two years. All Services will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a Public Viewing at 9:00 AM, a Rosary to be recited at 10:00 AM and a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place immediately following at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Please sign Josie’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM

Josie A. Bustamante

February 11, 1927 - September 16, 2018