Weslaco- Josefina Rodriguez Reyna, 80, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at Valley Baptist Center in Harlingen. Josefina was born on June 12, 1940, to Jose Rodriguez Sanchez and Aurelia Rodriguez.
Her family migrated to Weslaco, Texas, where Josefina grew up and spent the rest of her life. Josefina went to St. Joan Catholic school as a young girl and then Weslaco High School. After graduating from high school, Josefina earned her Bachelor’s degree from Pan American University.
She married Gilberto Reyna on March 26, 1963. They raised five children together. Josefina juggled a career and raising children like a champ. She spent thirty-five years working for Weslaco Independent School District. Josefina loved children and was passionate about helping them succeed. Josefina gave 110% to everything she did, including her job as a professional, wife, mom, grandmother, and friend.
Josefina was an excellent cook, and the smell of her homemade flour tortillas is a memory the family will always treasure. Josefina invited the family over every Sunday, and this was the highlight of her week. They had a great meal and played chalupa, one of Josefina’s favorite games. Holidays were also very important to Josefina, and the family always gathered at her home.
When it came time to relax, Josefina loved watching television. Her favorites were Spanish novelas and Texas Walker Ranger. She and her dog EJ would cuddle up and watch for hours.
Josefina will always be remembered as a strong, loveable, independent, hardworking woman of faith.
Josefina is preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Aurelia Sanchez and husband, Gilberto Reyna.
She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Lauren Hazen of Dallas, Gilbert Reyna Jr. of Weslaco, Ruben Reyna (Lorrimar) of Weslaco, Yolanda Pena of Weslaco, and Maribel Reyna of Arizona, sister, Yolanda Castaneda (Reynaldo Castaneda), grandchildren, Chelsea Elizabeth Zakarian, Michelle Lee Hazen, Joshua Donovan Reyna, Deserae Sequoia Smith, Precila Acosta, Genesis Acosta, Samuel Peña III, Dustin S. Peña (Marla), Serina Joy Peña, Zachary Peña, Natalie Reyna, Riannah Reyna, Ruben Reyna Jr., great-grandchildren, Mezmerly and Zayler Peña, and Skylar Bartlebough.