Josefa "Pepa" Cortez

Josefa “Pepa” Cortez, a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and cherished friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully in her home on April 9, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on February 25, 1932, in Meoqui, Chihuahua, to Porfirio and Modesta Baeza, Josefa was one of eight children. She attended school in Cuatro Vientos, Chihuahua before moving to the United States with her parents.

Josefa’s caring nature was evident as she served as the primary caregiver for her maternal grandparents as well as other various jobs. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Felipe Cortez. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family. A devout Catholic, Josefa’s greatest achievement was the selfless care she provided to everyone around her. She was a master of many trades—she loved and raised animals, especially pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, and the list goes on. She tended to the vegetable garden behind her house as well as tending to her fruit trees and kept a vibrant flower garden. Her kitchen was the soul of her home; she was legendary for her cooking, canning, baking, and above all baking her famous biscochitos for special occasions. She would joyfully sing as she went about her busy day. She loved and enjoyed her long walks by the canal with her kids and a parade of dogs behind her, and doing the same later in life with her grandkids. In her quieter moments, Mommy could be found crocheting or sewing beautiful blankets, embroidering kitchen towels, reading, watching novelas, playing loteria, and working on various types of puzzles. She was a constant presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren, whom she raised with unwavering devotion. Her home was a welcoming place for neighborhood kids and family friends, who were always greeted with a warm plate and even a warmer conversation. Her silent laughter with tears running down her face will always be remembered, something she inherited from her mom. Mommy, you will forever be in our hearts.

Que este en la Gloria de Nuestro Senior Jesucristo.

Josefa is survived by her children: Arturo B. Cortez, Eva Cortez (Joe F. Felix), Luis Cortez, Ricardo Cortez (Lisette M.), and Jimmy Cortez; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. 3 sisters; Mercedes (Merci) Garcia, Enedina (Nina) Zamora, an Antonia (Tonia) Aguilar, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Felipe Cortez; her daughter, Maria E. “Nena” Cortez; grandchildren Felix Cortez and Angela Cortez; her parents Porfirio and Modesta Baeza, siblings; Cayetana Vega, Alfredo Baeza, Emma Marquez, and Miguel (Mickey) Baeza.

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Viewing beginning at 9:00 AM; Rosary at 10:00 AM; Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Burial to follow at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery. 

Pallbearers: Tamara Cortez, Ricardo Cortez, Santiago (Jr) Cortez, Alfredo Lujan, Jose (Jr) Garza, and Ruben Medina.