Josephine "Josey" Ann Espinoza

Josephine Ann Espinoza, known as Josey to close friends and family, was born in Albuquerque, NM on January 21, 1999. She grew up in Placitas, then moved with her mom to Florida for a few years before returning to New Mexico. Josey put herself through college at ASU while working at Starbucks, receiving a bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology. She returned to school at CNM to get her radiology degree, after which she worked at Presbyterian Hospital as a radiology tech.

Josey loved wearing black, her furry feline "child" Sage whom she raised from birth, her pet snake Snakey, eating at trendy restaurants, drawing bones, decorating her apartment with flowers from Trader Joe's, traveling, and visiting the Rio Grande Zoo. Her small size carried a huge heart and a strong body. Her hugs were epic.

Josephine was a complex person. Behind a tough exterior was one of the most sensitive, grounded souls. She had a heart of gold, though you had to be lucky enough to be let in to see it. Reserved, brilliant, and driven, she knew who she was and wasn't afraid to stand by it. For the people she loved, there was nothing she wouldn't do. She would go to the ends of the earth for her people, fiercely protective and always showing her love through her actions. She was the most thoughtful person, the kind of person who paid attention to the little things and made sure the people she loved knew they mattered. She was honest, unapologetic, and always willing to tell you the truth, but if you were lucky enough to see her silly side, you knew there was so much more to her than she let the world see.

Josephine was preceded in death by her grandmother, Ann Zscheile, and is survived by her mother, Renee Dail; her father, Joseph Espinoza and his wife Sabrina Espinoza; her sisters, Adrienne McMullin and Elizabeth Espinoza; her grandparents, Steve Rubio and David and Christine Espinoza; and extended family and friends. 

A visitation and funeral will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 2 pm to 4 pm at French Funerals - Lomas Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. In remembrance, please donate to the New Mexico BioPark Society in honor of Josephine.