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Josefina Isabel Sare Quitoriano was born on November 19, 1936, to Fermin Sare and Teresa Crisanto in Manila, Philippines, the second oldest of eight siblings. While many knew her as 'Jo,' 'Josie,' or 'Pining,' those closest to her affectionately called her 'Mom' and 'Lola.' From an early age, Josefina displayed a love for learning, excelling in her studies, particularly in the medical field. After graduating high school in 1954, she pursued her education in the United States on a student grant scholarship, eventually earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Berkeley. Her esteemed career in the medical field blossomed when she met Mellie Quintos in 1962, forming a lasting friendship as they worked together. They often spent weekends together dining in various restaurants in the Bay Area and Fresno. It was during this time that Josefina encountered the love of her life, Mike Quitoriano, Mellie's cousin. They met at the “Bataon Restaurant” in Fresno, CA and the rest was history. She described Mike in her journal entry as “A chunky, good looking, man of intelligence with a strong magnitude of personality, who was sure of himself.” They married on August 23, 1963, blending their families and settling in Fresno, CA. Mike had two sons, Leon and Ronald Quitoriano, from his previous marriage. They soon grew their family and added five more children to the Quitoriano family: Marilyn Janelle Quitoriano, Michael Anthony Quitoriano, Alphonsus (Al) Quitoriano, Michelle Smith and Mike (Joe) Quitoriano. Mike, a skilled farmer, and Josefina, known to some as the 'Strawberry Lady,' worked together to provide for their family. They were a farming dynamic duo, Mike who grew the Strawberries and Josefina who delivered the best strawberries in town. Josefina described her marriage with Mike an “adventure.” There was never a dull moment as they enjoyed each other's company and always looked forward to what the next day had in store. They both worked extremely hard to ensure the needs of the family were met. They enjoyed traveling to new cities and watching chicken fights together on the weekends. Her commitment extended to her faith, where she actively participated in various ministries, finding joy in the Eucharistic Ministry. Described as a tiny giant, Josefina had a powerful presence and always brought smiles to the faces of those she encountered. She was dedicated to her community and always found time to serve others. As a member of the Fil Americas Women’s Club and the Legionarios de Trabajo Lodge, she made sure she not only talked the talk but also walked the walk. You can believe she could make you laugh, as hard as she could make you cry. Her words were powerful. This was evident even in how she would say her name, JOSEFINA QUITORIANO! Not only were her words powerful, so were her actions. She embodied generosity and nurturing. So much so, that she made everyone feel like her favorite. If you ask any grandchild who was her favorite, they’d all fight for that title, because she made them all feel deeply loved and cared for. Josefina's dedication to her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother was unwavering. She was a Proverbs 31 woman, embodying generosity, nurturing, and a heart of gold. A woman of many talents, she was a skilled cook, known for traditional Filipino dishes. In our culture, it is customary to care for others through food, and even until Lola’s very last days, she would ask, “Kumain ka ba?” -- meaning, “Did you eat,” in Tagalog. It is through her, that our family has grown to love traditional Filipino dishes like afritada, chicken adobo, pancit, sinigang and of course the crowd favorite, lumpia. Josefina was a woman of many hats. As creative as she was beautiful, a few of her favorite hobbies included crocheting extravagant afghans, baking delectable desserts, collecting stamps, traveling the United States to visit family and friends and writing. Josefina was an exceptional writer. In fact, she wrote a letter for each of her grandkids at birth. She kept journals, notes and ledgers, housed with her poetry, thoughts and prayers, which we will now be able to cherish forever. At one point, she received the “Editor’s Choice Award from National Library of Poetry 1997.” In her down time, you could find her nestled at home delighting in her love for figure skating and soap operas, like As the World Turns and Guiding Light. How appropriate to note that another favorite of her’s was the butterfly. Starting off as a small caterpillar, then blossoming into a vibrant breathtaking creature, her own life can be viewed through that lens. Vibrant and breathtaking she was, even amid trials, her wings spread along with her joy. In 2017, as Alzheimer's took its toll, Josefina's family brought her back to Brawley, where she found solace in the care of her daughter Michelle and son-in-law Eric. The progression was slow; creative pursuits like crocheting, writing, and cooking slipped away over the years. Despite the losses, one thing remained untouched—the essence of Josefina, encapsulated in her unwavering name and character. Her sweet, soft voice endured, as did her feistiness and mobility. She was an adventurer. Despite the challenges, her spirit persevered, and she continued to bring joy through her playful antics. Two phrases, "Maganda" and "Salamat Po," were constants on her lips, embodying her sense of beauty and gratitude. Josefina never failed to infuse each moment with vibrancy. There was never a dull moment with Josefina, the life of the party who retained her vivacity until the lord called her home. On the early morning of December 2, 2023, she departed our earthly realm. Although anticipated, the loss was profound. Surrounded by those who cherished her, Josefina transitioned peacefully to eternal rest. In our grief, we found solace in shared prayers. Josefina Isabel Sare Quitoriano, your departure leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, good food, and unwavering faith. Your offspring, family, and friends are deeply indebted to the sacrifices you made. Thank you for the richness you brought into our lives; we love you dearly. Josefina was preceded in death by her parents, Fermin Sare and Teresa Crisanto, sister Amparo Sare, and her brothers Roberto and Fermin Sare. She also lost her husband, Mike D. Quitoriano, and sons Michael Anthony and Mike Joe Quitoriano, along with her great-grandson Kyrin Wright. She is survived by many of her siblings: Amelia Jacala (Oakland, CA), Vilma Hernandez and her husband Jaime (Santa Clarita), Bernadine “Dina” Guevara and her husband Jaime (Philippines), and Martha Cortes (Palm Desert) Children: Ronald (Ann) Quitoriano, Leon Quitoriano, Marilyn Janelle Quitoriano, Alphonsus Quitoriano, Michelle (Eric) Smith. Grandchildren: Cevin Quitoriano, Christopher (Leslie) Quitoriano, Faye Quitoriano, Jeffrey Wright, Jerome Smith Jr., Jermaine Wright, Jazmine Smith, Faundrey McClure Jr., DeJohn Scott, DeAndrae Robinson, Kalia Gabriel (Joaquin), Xzavier Smith, Tiffany Quitoriano, Alphonsus Quitoriano Jr., Mikel (Julia) Quitoriano, and Josh Quitoriano. She leaves behind 31 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends. All of whom she loved dearly. Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Light Funeral Home on Monday, December 11, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Josefina will be laid to rest next to her late husband at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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Josefina Sare Quitoriano

November 19, 1936 - December 2, 2023