Josephine Gonzalez, 92, of Bethlehem, died January 24 at St. Luke’s Hospice. Josephine was the daughter of the late Gonzalo and Gerarda (Pedraz) Sanchez. Born in Bethlehem, she returned to Salamanca, Spain with her parents for a “short visit” which turned into 14 years. She was educated in convent schools and was trained to be a modesta (seamstress-dress designer). After the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, Josephine and her brother, Robustiano, returned to Bethlehem where she met the love of her life, Frank Gonzalez. They married in 1948 and their only child, Virginia, was born in 1950. Josephine became a full-time wife and mother. Josephine Gonzalez, 92, of Bethlehem, died January 24 at St. Luke’s Hospice. Josephine was the daughter of the late Gonzalo and Gerarda (Pedraz) Sanchez. Born in Bethlehem, she returned to Salamanca, Spain with her parents for a “short visit” which turned into 14 years. She was educated in convent schools and was trained to be a modesta (seamstress-dress designer). After the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, Josephine and her brother, Robustiano, returned to Bethlehem where she met the love of her life, Frank Gonzalez. They married in 1948 and their only child, Virginia, was born in 1950. Josephine became a full-time wife and mother.
Josephine’s greatest joy was raising her daughter and later helping to raise her grandson, Paul, while his parents were at work. She was the epitome of an “earth mother”, never being happier than when she was a caretaker and embroiled in domestic tasks and her sewing. She also liked to garden and watch her telenovelas.
Josephine was a Roman Catholic and had belonged first to Holy Infancy Church where she married Frank and later to St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
Survivors: Her daughter, Virginia Gonzalez-Belles, wife of Paul W Belles; grandson, Paul G. Belles; her niece, Juanita Schultheis of California. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 60 years, Frank Gonzalez; her brother, Robustiano Sanchez and her nephew, Robustiano R.F. Sanchez.
Services: A graveside service with entombment of Josephine's ashes will take place on Monday, January 29th at 12 Noon, in Serenity Mausoleum of Bethlehem Memorial Park, Madison St. at Dewberry Ave., Bethlehem. Arrangements are entrusted to JAMES FUNERAL HOME, 527 Center St., Bethlehem. Offer condolences at www.jamesfuneralhome.org
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made with Josephine’s name on the memo space to Hispanic Heritage Arts Endowment c/o Northampton Community College Foundation, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem PA 18020.