Josephine Zuniga Mares

Josephine Zuniga Mares “Josie”. "Fina" age 91, was born on MT. Vernon in San Bernardino, California on February 8, 1923. She passed away in San Bernardino on July 24, 2014 to join her husband Justino "Tino", son Augustine "Bobby" Mares, and daughter Pearl Rios in blessed eternal life. She is survived by 2 sons Manuel Mares of Palm Springs, Charles and daughter-in-law Judy Mares of Ontario, 2 brothers Richard Zuniga of San Bernardino, Agapito and sister-in-law Vera Arregin of San Bernardino, 2 sisters Margaret Mujica of East Highland, Rosalinda Romero of Fontana, 3 grandchildren Rebecca Garcia, Danielle Trevino (Mark), Danette Villalobos (Mark), and 5 great grandchildren. She also had many nieces and nephews, and raised niece Isabel Zuniga. She was the oldest of 13 children, and her parents were John “Juan” and Vicenta Zuniga. Her deceased siblings are Amado, Polo, Jose “Pepe”, Anita, Carlos, Ruth, Daniel “Danny”, Hortencia “Tencha”. The family would like to give special Thanks to sister-in-law Vera Arregin who provided many months of care and comfort to Josie. The family would also like to Thank the wonderful staff at Waterman Convalescent Hospital in San Bernardino who gave Josie such loving care for so many years. These are really dedicated people who really care for their residents. Visitation services will be held from 5-8 p.m, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Wednesday August 6, 2014 at Preciado Funeral Home, 923 W. Mill ST., San Bernardino. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday August 7, 2014 at Our Lady of Guadalupe church 1430 W. 5th St., San Bernardino, followed by interment at Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, 211 E. 9th ST., San Bernardino. A reception will follow after the interment at Mitla Cafe Banquet Room 1300 W. 6th St. San Bernardino. I would like to say a few words about my mom Josie. She was the most loving, caring woman, and not just the family but of friends and neighbors. She was proud of being born on MT. Vernon and Vine, near the little park on MT. Vernon. During World War II she volunteered to be an army WAC but the bus never came to pick them up and she never knew why. Instead she worked for the Santa Fe railroad in San Bernardino repairing box cars. She had two brothers Pepe and Amado who were in the army during WW II. Amado had been stationed in the Philippines when the war started and was captured by the Japanese. My mom said he did not return home until 1946. My mom worked for many years at The Harris Department Store in San Bernardino. She was a cook in the store’s restaurant. She became known as the best cook in the neighborhood. Years later she enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking for family, friends and neighbors. She loved her little dog Toby. In loving memory Charlie “Prieto”.

Josephine Zuniga Mares

February 8, 1923 - July 24, 2014