Josepha Hinojosa

McAllen – Josefa Cadena Hinojosa, better known to her family and friends as Josie, 85, entered eternal rest on August 10, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on May 15, 1938 in Weslaco, Texas to Maria Rodriguez and Manuel Cadena. She was preceded in death by her husband Liborio Efrain Hinojosa, her son Marcos Manuel Hinojosa, and her parents.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Liborio (Rube) Hinojosa, Jr., daughter in law, Belinda Hinojosa, Debi (Romeo) Ruelas, Carlos (Chris) Hinojosa, Marilena Hinojosa, Liza (Adolfo) Campero; her grandchildren: Trea Hinojosa, Krista (Romeo) Garcia, Karen Hinojosa; Michael (Martha) Hinojosa, Marcos “Dos” Hinojosa, Adam Hinojosa; Stevan (Jackie) Garza; Nicolas Hinojosa, Carlos Jose Hinojosa, Jr.; Celena (Dean) Van Burkleo, Alexandro Carrera, Cristian Carrera, Isaac Carrera; Alyna (Taylor) Hall, Olivia Campero, and Adolfo Julian Campero; ten great-grandchildren, and her devoted canine companion, Bibi.

Josie was born with an ignited spirit and can best be described as a forever cheerleader. At Weslaco High School, she was voted Most Beautiful 1954 and was the first Hispanic head cheerleader to lead her peers and the team to victory. Josie went on to attend Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas and received her degree in education. She began teaching in her hometown, then finished out her career at Mercedes High School where she taught for 33 years.

Josie’s gift to make you feel like a champion or a winner was undeniable. Her entire life she praised and encouraged her friends, family, her students, and her beloved Texas Aggies with gusto. If she couldn’t find the right words to motivate you, you knew she’d be lifting you up in prayer. Josie was a true prayer warrior.

Josie opened up her home to many; her hospitality took in family members, foreign exchange students, and immigrants. Though she traveled the world, her home was her favorite place to be. She enjoyed cooking, hunting, slot machines, sports, a good steak, and vanilla ice cream. But if you knew Josie, you know she was anything but plain vanilla.

As Josie cheered so many on, she shied away from any kind of spotlight. Josie lived a life of kindness, strength, and humility. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

The family would like to thank her caregivers, Eva Parreno, Henrietta Peynado, NP, Dr. James Castillo, and the medical team at DHR Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm on August 19, 2023 at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Pharr. The Catholic Rite of Committal will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.

In lieu of flowers or food, a request of a Requiem Mass for the repose of her soul or the prayer of the holy rosary would be a beautiful gesture.