She was born October 17, 1931 in Puerto Rico. After studying in New York to become an x-ray technician, she married John Ortiz on September 11, 1954. The family moved to Statesville in 1976. She was well known and loved in the community as “Jossie”. The Ortiz family owned and operated The Backdoor Restaurant, where she was called “Mama O” and was known for her famous lasagna and ribs. She was also employed at Eckerd Drugs Pharmacy, Peebles, JC Penneys, and Lowes Food in the flower dept. She was an active volunteer at Davis Hospital and attended their water aerobic classes. She loved being with people and entertaining them with her stories.
She was a member of St. Phillips the Apostle Catholic Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Linda Ortiz of Statesville, two sons, John J. Ortiz (Claudia) of Wilmington, and Joseph Ortiz (Gina) of Wilkesboro, six grandchildren, Julianna Ortiz Mills (Brian), Nicholas Ortiz, Andrew Ortiz, Angelica Ortiz, Adam Ortiz, and Alex Ortiz, along with two great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Mills and Brianna Mills.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home with the funeral service following in the Westmoreland Chapel at 7:00 PM.
Burial will be held at Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Salisbury National Cemetery with Father Kessler officiating.
For those who prefer, memorials may be given to the Gordon Hospice House C/O Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home with arrangements.
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