MARIA JIMENEZ

1930 - 2023

MARIA JOSEFINA

JIMENEZ AVILA

Mar. 19, 1930 Jan. 18, 2023

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). God has called upon our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to the light of eternal life. Our beloved mother has left us and went to answer God's calling. Our beloved mother is now with her beloved husband.

Maria Josefina Avila Garcia Jimenez was born in Tala, Jalisco, MX, on March 19, 1930, and passed away quietly at home on January 18, 2023. During her early years, she attended schools in Tala, Jalisco. She came from a family background of musicians. Her father was a well-known musician who played five instruments. Maria Josefina and her siblings were also a musicians. At the age of 17, she entered a singing contest along with one of her brothers, and both won 1st place. In her early 20s, she entered a beauty contest in her hometown and won; she was titled "La Reina de Tala, Jalisco".

In 1954, Maria Josefina Avila met the love of her life, German O. Jimenez, in Mexicali, while visiting her father, who at that time was working in construction with her future husband. Two years later, on December 16, 1956, they were married in Tala, Jalisco, MX. In the 61 years of marriage, they had 9 children: Angelina, Ana, Margarita, German Manuel (who passed away as an infant), German Jr., Alma, Francisco, Jose, and Ernesto. Maria Josefina loved all her 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed having them all at her house.

In 1962, German and Maria Josefina moved from Mexico to Calexico, CA, and started their new life raising their family. Maria Josefina worked in retail but decided to be a homemaker. She dedicated all her life to raising her 8 children. She was a dedicated mother. She was always there for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was a devoted Catholic. She would read the big red Bible (the family's Bible since the day they were married) to her children and explained it in her own words so that they would understand it. She would pray the Rosary with her children. Every Sunday, Maria Josefina and her husband, German, would take their children to the 12 o'clock mass. They would sit, all 8 children, in the front row. She would tell stories about God and angels. Stories that her children enjoy listening to.

She loved family gatherings, especially the holidays. They were always so special for Maria Josefina. She loved having all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at the house, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. She enjoyed watching the talent show performance on Christmas Eve by all her children and grandchildren. The house was always full of joy, peace, and love.

Maria Josefina was preceded in death by her parents, Julian Avila and Alejandrina Avila-Garcia; her son, German Manuel; and her siblings, Antonio, Gregorio, Ramon, and Angelina Avila.

She leaves behind her 8 children, Angie, Ana, Margarita, Alma, German (Hilda Yvonne), Francisco, Jose, and Ernesto (Cheli).

A Viewing will be held on March 16, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. at Hems Brothers Mortuary in Calexico. Mass will be held on March 17, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Calexico, with a burial immediately following at Mt. View Cemetery in Calexico.