Josefa Rodriguez Tristan

Harlingen - Josefa Rodriguez Tristan, lovingly known as Josie, peacefully entered into eternal rest on August 29, 2025, at the age of 77. She was born on April 6, 1948, in Harlingen, Texas, and lived a life marked by love, faith , and dedication to her family and community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ascension O. Rodriguez and Maria Teresa G. Rodriguez, as well as her two brothers, Ricardo Rodriguez and George Rodriguez.

Josie is survived by her devoted husband, Francisco Tristan Sr., and her loving children: Guadalupe D. Tristan (Jose Flores) and Francisco Tristan, Jr. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Franky-Lee R. Tristan (Celestina Hernandez), Brandyn-Lee O. Tristan, Michael A. Montoya, Nicolas Tristan, Ashley L. Pesina, and Tiffany N. Lino (Al Lino). Her legacy continues through her five great-granddaughters: Harle Ry Tristan, Kyrie Ortega, Skyla, Motley, and Ally Lino. Including her daughter-in-law, Veronica Pesina.

She is also survived by her loving siblings: Mary Reza (Fred), Dora Rodriguez Jimenez (Joe), Margie Soto (Frank), Johnny Rodriguez (Tencha), and Guadalupe Olvera (Irma). Including numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom she loved deeply and held close to her heart.

Before becoming a nurse, Josie worked as a school bus driver for the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District and also drove a children to and from church for catechism classes, in the early 1980's and early reflection of her generous heart and devotion to her faith.

In 1983, she answered a deeper calling to care for others and enrolled in the LVN program at Valley Baptist Medial Center School of Vocational Nursing. After graduating, she devoted 29 years to nursing at Valley Baptist Medical Center, primarily on the 5th South Tower, where she compassionately cared for patients and mentored young nurses in the importance of bedside care. Josie truly loved what she did, and her patients held a special place in her heart.

Her Catholic faith was central to her life. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother of Schoenstatt, and she lived out her beliefs through prayer, service, and daily acts of love.

Josie will be remembered for her strength, humility, generous spirit, and deep love for her family. Her legacy of compassion and faith lives on in all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 2, 2025 and September 3, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. both evenings at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen. The funeral will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, departing the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Harlingen with Father Jesus Garza as celebrant.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.