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Josefina Gonzalez passed away on June 4, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on March 19, 1934, in Laredo, Texas, to Simon Saenz and Maria Luisa Hernandez. She is survived by her beloved children: Eduardo Gonzalez (Debbie), Elsa Gonzalez-Taylor (Larry), Patricia Ann Smith (Matthew) and her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Nicole Kirk (Kevin), Erin Nieto (Arturo), Megan Gonzalez, Timothy Robinson-Howell, Rebecca Meyers (Brent), Kohri Sansom (Justin), Ashleigh Gonzalez (Elijah Edgeman), Efrain Nicholas Gonzalez, as well as, her six great grandchildren: Emerson, Evan and Simon Neito; Jameson and Emily Meyers and Nova Skylar Edgeman. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Efrain Abundio Gonzalez, Sr., and their first-born son, Efrain Abundio Gonzalez, Jr. She also joins her late siblings Manuel Saenz, Carlota Saenz, Francisco Saenz (Alicia), Oscar Saenz (Ana Maria), Simon Saenz, Jr. (Elvira), Jose Luis Saenz (Eva), Carlos Saenz (Ana), and Maria Luisa Garza (Porfino) in eternal rest. Josefina grew up in Laredo, Texas, as the eldest surviving daughter in a family of seven children, five boys and two girls. Her life took a profound turn when she met Efrain A. Gonzalez, a young Air Force airman. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 15, 1952, and they married on September 6, 1953. Together, they embarked on several remarkable journeys, traveling the world as he fulfilled his military duties. They were blessed with four children: Efrain Jr., Eduardo, Elsa and Patricia. Their family lived in various states, including Texas, South Carolina, California, Kansas, Montana, New York, and Mississippi, and had the rare opportunity to experience life abroad in Bermuda, Panama Canal Zone, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Amid these adventures, Josefina built a fulfilling career as a licensed cosmetologist, specializing in hair, skin, and nail treatments. She established a thriving home-based business at every military base they were stationed in, her own cottage industry! Soon becoming the trusted stylist for all Air Force wives. Throughout her husband's 26-year military career, she remained the heart of their home, nurturing their children and supporting his professional achievements, culminating in his final rank as Master Sergeant. After his retirement, she stood by his side as he pursued a degree in culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. True to her resilient nature, she effortlessly adapted to every move, creating a loving home wherever life led them. Eventually, they settled in San Antonio, Texas, where she continued her passion for hairstyling. She spent years at Great Expectations, a salon in Windsor Park Mall, earning a reputation as the seasoned expert among younger stylists. Later, she and her husband established their own successful salon, Hair on Stage, a testament to her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Josefina's legacy lives on through all who had the honor of knowing her. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered as a strong, compassionate, and faith-filled woman. She was a loving wife to her husband of 67 years, a loving mother and a selfless grandmother. Her family was her greatest treasure. She loved all her relatives, cousins, nieces, nephews and the many friends she met throughout her travel’s. The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful caregivers era, nurses and doctors who oversaw her are until the end. May she rest peacefully in God's embrace. SERVICES Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 4:00pm-8:00pm, with a Rosary at 6:00pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North; 3401 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio, Texas 78230. Graveside Services will be on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 10:00am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, Pavilion #1, San Antonio, Texas 78209. For personal acknowledgement, you may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the Tributes section. MISSION PARK FUNERAL CHAPELS NORTH 3401 CHERRY RIDGE DR. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78230 (210) 349-1414

Tributes

Josefina Saenz Gonzalez

March 19, 1934 - June 4, 2025