Josephine Ruiz

Josephine R. Ruiz

1925 - 2018

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Obituary of Josephine R. Ruiz

Ruiz, Josephine R., 93, of Tucson, Az, passed away peacefully at Casa de la Luz Hospice on December 28, 2018 at 3:08 pm. She was surrounded by family and friends as she began her journey to eternal life.

She was predeceased by her husband Rodolfo Ruiz and is survived by her two daughters, Dee Dee Lizette Nguyen of California and Norma Lopez (Daniel) of Tucson, Az. She also was blessed with four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great great grandson. She had numerous nephews, nieces, godchildren, compadres, and lots of friends.

Fina, as she was affectionally known, was a strong, determined, and fiercely independent woman. She immigrated from Mexico in 1957 and became a US citizen. Fina was proud to vote, took her duty seriously and never missed an election. She was a proud Democrat.

Birthday parties were a big thing for her. She would make lots of carne asada, with all the trimmings and her neighbors would attend. During her younger years, the local politicians running for supervisors or councilman would attend to stump for votes. Tata Fito, her husband, would welcome them and tell them, “You’re welcome to eat and drink BUT no politicking.” Fina liked Mariachi music so there was lots of music at her parties. There wasn’t a weekend that went by that she was not invited to attend a birthday celebration, quinceñiera, or wedding. Fina was a fun and friendly person and enjoyed being around lots of people.

She liked to cook. She would cook gallons of menudo and call the family to come over and eat. We would have another weekend of party and fun. She would tell us, “Bring a pot so you can take some home afterward.” One-time Norma, her daughter, brought the big pot that she used to make menudo in. Fina looked at her and said, “I’m not going to give it all to you mija.” We all started laughing. “No Ma, I’m not taking much. I just don’t want it to spill on to my floormats in my car.” Fina always reminded us about that and never let her live that down. Fina had a sense of humor too.

 Fina enjoyed having family and friends getting together talking and just having a good time.

Christmas time and New Years was tamale making time. She would make dozens upon dozens of tamales for family and friends and to sell. She surely was one of the hardest working women we’ve ever known. They broke the mold when they made this woman. She will be sorely missed.

Nana Fina was a hard worker and worked the better part of her life as a supervisor for Tucson Laundry and Haskell Cleaners. She worked at other numerous jobs because she could not just sit and do nothing she would say. She would work tirelessly in her yard, planting flowers, trees, and potting plants. Watering, pruning, raking the yard, building brick borders around her plants. I don’t know where she got the strength to do all that. Good genes, I think.

She was thin and strong and healthy. Her doctor told her that she had the heart of a fifteen-year-old at 92 years of age. She said she would live to be 100 years old. The doctor said he didn’t recommend it. The poor soul lived to be 93 years old.

Yes, she had arthritis and creaky joints like a lot of us, but she didn’t let that stop her. She was always ready to help anyone that needed help, that was sick, that had lost a loved one. She would cook and clean for them. She would drive them to market or doctors’ appointments or she would just sit and talk with them when they were feeling down or unhappy. Any one that knew her or had the privilege of calling her friend, knew how lucky they were. Everyone that ever knew her, knows that she helped you at one time or another.

Fina lived a good life and a full life. She was a good Catholic too. She prayed everyday not only for herself but for all of us. She wished only the best for everyone.

She developed dementia and her last year was very difficult for her. When someone that has never depended on anyone else for anything has to accept help with everyday activities, it makes that person very sad. Her close family showed her love and care and affection and made her life as comfortable as was possible. When it became too difficult for just one person to care for her, the wonderful people at Casa de la Luz Respite and Casa de la Luz Hospice stepped in to help.

Fina was treated like if she was family to all the employees there. She was treated with respect, love, and was made as comfortable as possible. We can not thank all these great people enough. The doctors, nurses, aides, chaplain, staff and volunteers at Casa de la Luz are a great team. Fina had the most caring group of people looking out for her at the end of her life.

We thank them all from the bottom of our hearts.

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Monday
7
January

Visitation

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Monday, January 7, 2019
Bring's Broadway Chapel
6910 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, Arizona, United States
(520) 296-7193
Monday
7
January

Rosary

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Monday, January 7, 2019
Bring's Broadway Chapel
6910 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, Arizona, United States
(520) 296-7193
Tuesday
8
January

Funeral Mass

10:00 am - 11:00 am
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church
602 West Ajo Way
Tucson, Arizona, United States
520-624-3865
Tuesday
8
January

Committal

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Holy Hope Cemetery
3555 North Oracle Road
Tucson, Arizona, United States
(520) 888-0860