Josephine Maceyra

Josephine “Josie” Escarcega Maceyra, age 91, born February 23, 1930, met her eternal rest and entered the gates of Heaven on Sunday, January 23, 2022, from the comfort of her home in El Paso, Texas. She leaves behind legions of family, friends, and former colleagues who will miss her effervescent personality and love of people. Josie was the oldest of eight children born in Tombstone, Arizona, “the town too tough to die,” which was evident by her endless grit and determination. Growing up, she excelled in school, participated in numerous school clubs, and was athletically inclined, especially at tennis. While attending Tombstone High School, her tennis coach held her in high regard and often remarked on her natural talent for the sport. At the height of her athletic achievement, she won the Arizona State Championship for tennis. She left Tombstone at 18 years old to attend the Hotel Dieu School of Nursing. Josie began her successful, life-long career as a Registered Nurse at Hotel Dieu, and she worked her way up to the esteemed and challenging role of Supervisor of Surgery. In 1958, she went on to work as an industrial nurse for Farah Manufacturing. Because of her young age, Josie was often challenged to demonstrate her aptitude. However, she always rose to the occasion with the tenacity to prove her know-how and skillful ability as a nurse. She worked for numerous doctors over the years, most notably with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mario Palafox as well as his son Dr. Andrew Palafox who is still practicing today. Towards the end of her career, she served as a Home Health Care nurse tending to patients who were more often than not younger than her – a true testament to her love and passion for taking care of people. She retired from nursing in 2015 at the age of 85. While at Hotel Dieu as a student nurse, Josie fell in love with Armando Maceyra who also worked at the hospital. In September of 1951, they married, and the following August, they welcomed their daughter, Catherine, into the world. While only married for 29 years, they remained faithful to one another and held true to their vows until Armando passed away in 2021. Josie was indeed a healer in a multitude of ways, not just in the basic medical understanding. Through her dedicated friendship, she mended hearts during times of grief. She listened to others, often making them feel seen and heard when no one else would take the time. Josie was also extremely committed to helping young people pursue and achieve their dreams. She volunteered her time serving on scholarship committees, she housed nursing students from abroad, and she helped many complete their college education. Throughout her life, Josie was a faithful and devoted servant of Christ. She attended mass every Sunday, sang with the adult choir at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for over sixty years, and she was blessed to be the godmother to several children as they discovered and deepened their faith. Josie lived a beautiful life hosting parties for family and friends, tending to her garden where she often prayed, relishing in all things that sparkled, and basking in the love and adoration of all who knew her. Josie will be deeply missed by her only daughter, Catherine E. Magni, son-in-law, Joseph L. Magni, only granddaughter, Crystal M. Palomino, grandson-in-law, Juan F. Palomino Jr., the light of her life, her great-granddaughter, Aurora E. Palomino, brother John (Irma) Escarcega, sister Cecelia (Gary) Harrison, brother Gene Ramirez, countless nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, as well as lifelong Farah friends Victor Chemali, and fellow “Golden Girls” Becky Cuellar, Jessie Martinez, and Irene Galindo. She was preceded in death by her mother Teresa Ramirez, father Jose Escarcega, former husband Armando Maceyra, brother Andy (Betty) Escarcega, brother Ernie Escarcega, sister Martha Alba, and sister Rosie (Joe) Moncayo. A viewing and rosary will be held on Thursday, February 10 from 5 - 8 PM at Sunset Funeral Home 4631 Hondo Pass Dr, El Paso, TX 79904. A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, February 11 at 9 AM at Immaculate Conception Church 118 N Campbell St, El Paso, TX 79901. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a charitable donation to one of the following: The Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Christ the King Monastery, El Paso, TX The American Lung Association The American Heart Association To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Josephine Maceyra please visit our Sympathy Store.