Josephine Fernandez

Josephine “Josie” Natividad Fernandez was called home by our Heavenly Father on Monday, November 4, 2024, to be reunited with her beloved husband Joe, and all her family and friends who preceded her in death.

Josie was born June 3, 1939, in Taos, New Mexico. She was the first child born to Mary “Minnie” & Maximo Branchal. She was later joined by one brother, Domingo, and two sisters, Angela and Ramona. Josie grew up in New Mexico and later in her life met and fell in love with her husband, Joe Fernandez. They were married in Phoenix, Arizona on December 22, 1957. They were blessed with seven children Ron, Margaret, Joseph, Tim, Tom, Michael and Paul. They raised their children in Jerome, Idaho where they lived the rest of their lives.

Josie worked hard all her life with Joe by her side until his death in 2005. She was a devoted Catholic and her faith for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was a major focus in her life. Joe and Josie raised all their children in the Catholic faith at Saint Jerome’s parish. The light of Jesus shown through her in everything she did. Josie was a warm and caring person to everyone she met. She was always there for her family and friends, whether it was a conversation over a cup of coffee or an awesome meal she had prepared for them. Josie was a talented cook, and people always enjoyed her food. Her love for her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren was unparallelled. Nana, as the grandchildren referred to her as, was the sparkle in their eyes.

Josie worked in several jobs, but the majority of her career was spent at Green Giant in Buhl, Idaho for over 30 years. She was an extremely hard worker as well, also raising her children. The sacrifices she endured, to always put people and things in front of herself, were second to none. Mom was a not only a great cook, but she also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, knitting, gardening and was a very talented seamstress. Her entire family appreciated all the many things she had done for them.

She loved life and her family and put God and family first, above everything she did. Josie was a great homemaker, wife, mother, and Nana. Her love and compassion will be forever missed and the void that has been created will never be completely filled.

Our Beloved Mother was preceded in death by her loving husband Joe; her son, Tom; her mother, Mary (Tom) Craton; father, Maximo Branchal; in-laws, Nat and Margarita Fernandez; brother, Domingo; granddaughter, Melissa; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Josie, and Naason; and many other relatives and friends.

She is survived by her kids, Ron (Jill); Maggie (Michael); Joe (Ardee); Tim (Kathy); Michael (Misti); and Paul (Melody); her two sisters, Angela (Francis) and Ramona; 24 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces and nephews, as well as all of her and Joe’s God Children.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Monday, November 18, 2024 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 216 2nd Ave E, Jerome. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church with burial concluding at Jerome Cemetery.

 “Los Grandes Amores Viven Por Siempre…”

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Josie’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.