Josefita (Josie) Tenorio Rivera 96, of Socorro and Moriarty N.M., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 27, 2024.
Josefita was born June 18, 1927, in Mountainair, N.M. to Juan and Anita Gallegos. From the age of three she was raised by her uncle Jose Rafael and Isabel Gallegos. They moved to Duran when Josefita was nine and she grew up there. She graduated from Vaughn High School and moved to Albuquerque, to attend business school. Josefita later married Carlos Tenorio on November 24,1945 and they began their life on their ranch in Pinos Wells, N.M. where they raised their five children: Sam, Sylvia, Charles, Louisa and Loretta. Josefita worked as a cook for several ranches and later for many years, as a teacher’s assistant at Encino Schools.
Josefita was a devout Catholic and prayed the rosary and read her prayers daily. She taught herself how to play guitar and formed a church choir where she sang and played in the churches of Encino, Duran, Corona and Vaughn. She also enjoyed bowling, music and fishing. She participated in the National Senior Olympics where she won several metals. Later Josefita moved to Socorro, NM where she met and married her second husband Joe Rivera, where they lived for several years. In her later years she enjoyed word search puzzles, watching sports and her favorite TV shows. She loved her morning coffee, sweets and her faith & family gave her the greatest joy in life. Josefita had an undeniable grace and was loved by all who knew her.
Josefita is proceeded in death by her parents Jose Rafael and Isabel Gallegos, seven siblings, her first husband of 41 years Carlos Tenorio, her son Sam Tenorio, her second husband Joe Rivera, and son in law Bob Coca. She is survived by her children Sylvia (Rudy) Ortega, Charles (Martha) Tenorio, Louisa Coca, Loretta (Joe) Rivera, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.
The family of Josefita would like to thank the Catholic Churches of Moriarty and Socorro for sending people weekly to give communion. They would also like to thank the nurses, nurse techs, counselors and Chaplains of Ambercare in Socorro and Moriarty for their loving care.
Private family service to follow at later date.
