Josephine Moreno Amezcua

Josephine Moreno Amezcua, age 85 of Merced, formerly of Planada, passed away on October 22, 2018 surrounded by family. Josephine was predeceased by her parents Jose Ignacio Moreno and Virginia Ortega Moreno of Merced, her beloved husband Pedro Madrigal Amezcua of Planada, her son Ruben Amezcua of Le Grand and daughter Rosemary Amezcua of Merced.

Josephine was a kind and gentle person whose biggest joys in life were spending time with her family and cooking. She was a fabulous cook known for fresh salsa and homemade flour tortillas as well as tamales, spanish rice, beans and pozole. She was a nurturer and humanitarian, always ready to help and feed anyone and always with a beautiful smile. Josephine was a former active member of the choir “Dios Es Amor” for Sacred Heart Church in Planada. Late husband Pedro accompanied his wife playing either guitar or guitarron. Josephine and Pedro owned and operated Amezcua’s Bargain Mart and the local Pool Hall for many years in Planada in the 70’s and 80’s. After raising her own family Josephine’s last jobs included being the housekeeper for Dennis Alan Cardoza Representative in the General Assembly of CA and spouse Dr. McLoughlin, prior to Dennis’s election to the U.S. Congress. Josephine was also a caregiver for Mary Cardoza, Dennis’s mother.

Josephine is survived by three sons, Ernest (Theresa), Richard and David Amezcua all of Merced, three daughters Esther Solem (Dan) of Thompson Station, TN, MaryLou Muro (Henry), and Helen Amezcua both of Merced and step-son Raul Amezcua of Fresno. Other survivors include 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Josephine was predeceased by six siblings, but leaves behind sisters Alice Ochoa (Paul) of Ceres, Carmen Fimbrez of Merced and brother Ignacio Moreno (Adeline) of Merced, as well as many other dear relatives and friends.

Our Mama was the heart and soul of our family and we will miss her forever. We are only comforted by knowing she has begun her new journey pain free and at peace.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with Vigil Service with Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street Merced, California 95341. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 29, 2018 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 9317 Amistad Avenue, Planada, California 95365. Interment will follow at Plainsburg Cemetery located at 8943 Gillette Avenue, Le Grand, California 95333.