Josephine L. Maestas

Josephine Lucero Maestas, age 91, of Santa Cruz, New Mexico was welcomed into the gates of heaven on December 25, 2021. She is preceded in death by her mother, Antonia Fresquez Lucero; her father, Alfredo Lucero; her sister, Eliza Garcia; her brother, Pete Lucero; her granddaughter, Rachel Nicole Maestas; her ex-husband, Fabian Ben Maestas, her son, Ben Maestas; and her daughter, Carla Maestas. Josephine was born on December 28, 1929 in Santa Cruz, NM. She is survived by her daughters Christine Naranjo, Cecilia Martinez, and Cathy Salazar; her son, Joseph Maestas, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Josephine was raised in Santa Cruz and attended Santa Cruz High School. She met the love of her life, Fabian Maestas, in high school and became a cheerleader. Josephine suffered a heartbreaking loss when her mother passed away when she was just 17 years old. Despite this devastating loss, Josephine moved on with life by working at a local bank and eventually marrying Fabian Maestas. Josephine settled in Santa Cruz and raised six children and helped to run the family business, Vic’s Bar, and the family farm. In fact, she did all that, often alone, while Fabian attended college and achieved two degrees. She was truly devoted to her family and her religious faith. Josephine was meticulous in ensuring her children were well-dressed, well-groomed, and well-fed. Her house was always clean and tidy with fresh, homemade meals and tortillas always on the stove. Her true, divine vocation was her devotion to the Catholic faith and the Santa Cruz de la Cañada Church. She actively participated in numerous church-based organizations and helped with cleaning the church. Josephine held other jobs as a tour guide at the NM State Capitol and selling cosmetics. After her divorce and her kids being out of the house, she immersed herself in her vocation by handing out religious medals and literature. Her day always included praying the rosary and praying for those in need. Her compassion for others was instilled in her by her beloved mother. Josephine was her family’s “moral compass” and “prayer warrior” who was always present for her family. Unimaginable heartbreaks would come again at various times in her life when she lost her grandchild, Rachel, her son, Ben, and daughter Carla. She was the epitome of perseverance in the face of extreme adversity through her religious faith. In celebration of Josephine’s extraordinary life.

A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm on January 19, 2022 at Santa Cruz de la Cañada Church. A burial mass will be held at 10:00 am on January 20, 2022 also at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Elias Salazar, Patrick Naranjo, Greg Naranjo, Corey Berigan, James Berigan, Ben Maestas Jr., Joey Maestas and Marco Maestas. Flowers may be sent to DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola after January 17, 2022.

The family of Josephine Maestas has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com