My dearest sweet sister.  
You were my guiding light - the sister I looked up to in life.  
You were my welcome hugs and “goodbye” tears.  
You were - genuinely good and - like no other, gave so much to those around you.  
You were a blessing to this family - a prayer of love to those you touched.  
Our phone calls, ended with - I love you sis!”  
When I return to Sweden, we will celebrate my mother in-law´s 100 birthdays.  
She wrote a book at 96 and called it “Lilly´s memories” and  
 as I stand here before you sister, I wondered “what your book or story would be?  
No doubt it would be on “FAITH”.  
Your faith was deeply rooted.  
You had faith in God and trusted him to lead you.  
You prayed for your family and friends.  
You had faith and hope for us to be better people, to respect one another and be kind.  
You loved God and he loved you enough to let you see your children do well in life,  
To see your grandchildren, grow up to adults and be successful.  
To see 3 beautiful greatgrandchildren and tell me their stories, which made you laugh.  
Your story was based on faith.   
But what about us – sis?  
What would you write?  
I remember you walking me to the door, hugging me and wrapping your arms around me as hard as you could.  
Your last words still echo in my mind “take care sis and when will I see you again?”  
And as I drove away, I saw you in my back rear mirror, waving and wiping your tears, sometimes, clasping your face with both hands as if too difficult to see me drive away.  
And as I drove, I felt your pain and I pressed on the gas to avoid seeing you cry.  
Yesterday, you faded into the background, waving “Goodbye” and in tears.  
Today, it is my turn to say “Goodbye” with tears.  
It is you who leave me standing here.  
It is you- taking a journey.  
A journey with no return.  
There - is no waving “goodbye” but only tears.  
There is no back rear mirror
There are only  memories of our beginnings and now an ending
Goodbye – sis- "I love you"

Mom in her state room of one of our several 🛳 cruises 

When my parents and went to Washington DC

I love ❤️ you  Mom, never will get tired saying it and thank you for all the treasuable  memories 

Mom & I,  enjoying the day, she was at English Oaks 

The night of my going away party, heading off to the U.S.N   Navy 

1st 🛳 cruise with my parents, Chalo and Eloisa's family. We had so much fun!! My mom enjoyed the Explorer of the 🌊 sea

Till we meet again with our dearest parents 

Till I hold her in my arms again 🫂😢

My parents flew to attend my Bootcamp Graduation  I Orlando June 1987

Mom & I--- I missed my mom so bad in Bootcamp that I couldn't wait to see my parents. 

Mom & Grandma came to visit me in Norfolk,  VA, 1990

Mom enjoying dinner at her surprise baby shower. She was carrying my little sister Alicia back in 1978. Alicia was named after my mom's middle name.

Mom with Jr celebrating 🥳 his birthday 🎂 

Mom and her beautiful self!! 🥰 she enjoyed Christmas 🎄 cuz it meant being surrounded with her Familia 

Mom in her stylish 70's 🌻 blouse ✌️& love ❤️

Mom, she spent so much time in the kitchen because she loved to cook for her family. She never complained about how many different ways she had to cook the beans or eggs cuz every one liked them different.

Mom & Yaya, she must of been about 3 or 4

Mom & Sister Candy after Candy baptized Maria (Yaya)

12-14-22, celebrating Mom's 🍾 bday 🎂 🥳 

Mom trying out her new treadmill back I'm 1994

My parents and I I'm Washington D.C., having fun sightseeing 

Mom and I went for a stroll out in the patio for some vitamin D. She said the sun felt good on her skin. 

11-5-22,  a day that Mom wanted her hair done.

Dec 14, 2022, bday 🎂 pic of the greatest Lady in my life, My Mother.  You will be missed but not forgotten because you live in my heart.

We will forever treasure every memory we made with you Grandma Josie! We love and miss you. 

Mario, Julie, and Emilio Leal 

OBITUARY

Josefina Salinas

January 12, 1945 – February 17, 2023

Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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