Josephine Atencio

Josephine D. Atencio, a truly cherished and loved individual, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Josephine was born to Jose Guadalupe Sanchez and Senovia Valencia-Sanchez on August 1, 1927 in Springer, NM. She was 97 years old. She had a strong love for family and faith in God, which helped her live such a full and happy life.

Josephine's father was a farmer and the family traveled to where the work was throughout New Mexico. She was the sixth out of eight children. When Josephine was 13, she moved to California with her oldest brother to assist with his family. She was gone only a few years and returned to Taos, NM. She also resided in the Espanola area with her parents in the 1950s. She settled in Albuquerque about 65 years ago. She was an amazing and resilient woman. She raised her four daughters on her own and one of her favorite sayings was "if there's a will, there's a way." She had a strong and great will.

In 1975 she began a day care in her home. She continued to do this until the early 1990s. Through that time, she cared for over 100 children, all who affectionately called her "Nana." She always loved babies, birds and flowers/gardening. She also enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends in her free time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings and each of their spouses. She is survived by her four daughters: Theresa Cortez and husband Robert, Eileen Baca and husband Ernest, Lucille Tapia and Christine Tamez, seven grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson. Also grieving her loss is a sister, Crucita Valencia (widow), and brother, Jesse Sanchez and wife Josie, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Serving the family as pallbearers are Vincent Tapia, Aaron Tapia, Nathan Gonzales, Daryl Cortez, Diego Diaz and Luciano Diaz.

A rosary will be held 5:30 pm Wednesday September 18, 2024 at FRENCH-Rio Rancho. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10 am Thursday September 19, 2024, at St. Jude of Thaddeus Catholic Church 5712 Paradise Blvd NW Albuquerque, NM 87114. Entombment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

The family is requesting services to be a celebration of Josephine's life and her love for flowers. We are asking that attendees wear cheerful colors, if you prefer. The family would also like to thank hospice for the wonderful care of our mother, especially Georgette, Sue and Evelin. We appreciate all the care and support you have provided these past 6 months.