Josie D. Gallegos

With heavy hearts and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Josie Andrea (Duran) Gallegos, who left this world peacefully on Dec. 19, 2025, surrounded by family.

Our mom was a woman of grace, strength and boundless compassion. She devoted her life to nurturing those she loved, always had time to listen to us. She had a warm embrace and wisdom that will echo in our hearts forever. Her laughter could brighten the darkest day and her kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Josie was born in St. Johns. She was the daughter of Solomon and Juanita Duran. The family moved and lived in Winslow. Winslow is where she was raised and attended school. While in Winslow she met the love of her life and married him on Dec. 2, 1955. My dad and mom eventually moved to Holbrook where they raised their family.

She was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where she taught catechism for a time. In her younger years, she proudly worked as a Harvey Girl at the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, an experience she always cherished. She was also involved with the Special Olympics and was a very active auxiliary member of the American Legion. Mom enjoyed caring for her plants and crocheting blankets for her children, grandchildren, and friends. She loved cooking and baking for her family and was always feeding someone—no one ever left her house hungry. She adored her little dog, Gigi, and her dog, Bear, who faithfully protected her.

She will be remembered for her kindness towards others, her deep love for her kids, 16 grandkids and 13 great-grandkids, with one on the way. She also loved her siblings, nephews and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her husband Max G. Gallegos; parents, Solomon and Juanita Duran; sister, Tillie Luna; and brother, Tommy, and his wife, Hope Duran.

She is survived by her five children, Debbie Mcwhinney, Patsy (Manny)Tafoya, Max (Deana) Gallegos, Annette Zalenski and Renee (Phil) Poplawski; her brother, Jimmy (Priscilla) Duran of Scottsdale; and sister, Judy Hernandez of Phoenix.

Funeral services will be held with Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Holbrook, with an interment to follow at the Holbrook Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Sala across from the church. 

Floral arrangements by Pat’s House of Originals 928-524-3715