Josephine Bunac

Josephine Bunac, born Josephine Leyba on October 6, 1939, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, in Sacramento, California. She was 86 years old.

Josephine was the beloved daughter of Nasario and Raquel Leyba and grew up alongside her siblings in Santa Fe. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Diane Benevidez. As a young girl, Josephine traveled with her family from New Mexico to California, living in various cities as migrant workers. She often reminisced about those times with fondness, recalling the vineyards and orchards where they worked together.

On New Years Eve in 1953, Josephine met the love of her life, Felix Juan Bunac Jr., and they were married on December 9, 1956, in Santa Maria, California. Their union was blessed with six children: Felix Johnnie (deceased), Vincent, Angelo, Steven, Jessica (affectionately known as Sugar), and Felix Juan (Sonny). Additionally, she welcomed stepson Todd Gonsalez into their family. During Felix's service in the U.S. Navy, Josephine traveled extensively across the continental United States and Hawaii. She often spoke of Hawaii's beauty and how much she cherished her time there.

A devoted Christian and a long-standing member of Southpointe Christian Center, Josephine's faith was central to her life. Her unwavering devotion brought her immense joy and pride. She ministered to all who crossed her path and participated in numerous missionary trips to Mexico to share her faith and compassion with others.

Josephine will be remembered as a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her kind words, steadfast prayers, and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her sister Dolores Flores; brothers Ernie, Bobby, Tony, and Raymond Leyba; sons Vincent (Millie), Angelo (Diana), Steven (Carla), Felix (Bari) Bunac; stepson Todd Gonsalez; daughter Jessica (Kirk) Spencer; grandchildren Whitney, Carlee, AJ, Brittney, Amanda, Robert, Janessa, and Angela; as well as great-grandchildren Colton, Walker, Andi, Sarah, Emilia, Lexie, Raydin, Emily, Arlo, Stormee, Jayden and Arkani.

Josephine's legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.

Funeral service - May 11, 2026 - 11:00 am
Southpointe Christian Center, 7520 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95823.

Celebration of Life - May 11, 2026 - 1:00 pm
Sierra Two Center - Curtis Hall - 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818

Burial - May 12, 2026 - 10:00 am
Monument Hill Cemetery, 35036 County Road 22, Woodland, CA 95695