Josephine M Santillanes

Santillanes, Josephine M. Our "Christmas Angel", 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in White Oaks, NM on January 11, 1930 to Gregorio and Sofia (Mes) Montoya. Josie and her former husband, Joe began their family in Alameda, NM before moving to Socorro in 1962 where they established a successful farm and ranching business while raising their five children. Josie was a loving wife, mother, and home maker. She was a very talented seamstress and was often asked to make wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and sequined outfits for rodeo queens. Josie was always making her children special outfits, such as heirloom quality wedding gowns for her daughters. She was very active in her community and in the Catholic Church. Josie was a member of the Catholic Daughters, Legion of Mary, and taught religious education. Josie was also a foster grandparent for many years as well as meal site manager at the Socorro Senior Center. She adored her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. She always had a way to make everyone so comfortable and feel so loved. Christmas, was a very special time for Josie. Every holiday season her home was filled with wonderful aromas of posole, rellenos, tamales, biscochitos, empanadas, and many other dishes. She loved the colorful holiday decorations and lights. Every season Josie joined her family in lighting the Luminarias. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Santiago; Melisandro; and Nazareno; her sister, Jane; and her friend and father of her children, Joe. Josie is survived by her only sister, "Dobbie" Thurman; her devoted children, Irene Schneider and husband, David; Mary Jo Santillanes; Sophie Chavez and husband Frank; Mona Torres and husband, Max; and Jay Santillanes and wife, Matejka. Josie will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Andre and wife, Stephanie; Johnny and wife, Trisha; Randy and wife, Patty; Frankie; Christie; Max III and wife, Lydia; Melynda and husband, Matthew; Kimberly and husband, John; and Joseph; and many great and great great grandchildren. The Rosary will be recited on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real , Socorro. The Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 9:00 am also at San Miguel Catholic Church with Father Andrew Pavlak as celebrant. Internment will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Andre Tafoya, Johnny Joe Mann; Frankie Chavez; Randy Mann; Max Torres III; and Joseph Santillanes. Honorary pallbearers are Christie Chavez, Melynda Monte; and Kimberly Taylor.To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com . Josie's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield St Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1530