Josephine (Connie) Raya July 29, 1932 - February 14, 2022

July 1932 – February 2022

Josephine (Connie) Raya went into the arms of our Lord on Monday, February 14, 2022after several debilitating health issues impacted her life.  Thanks to the support of Covenant Care Hospice, she was able to be at home surrounded by her loving family.                            

Josephine was born in Brawley, California to Juanita del Bosque and Genaro Raya on July 29, 1932.  Josephine was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings (Cora Cruz, Mary Garcia Corralez and Pete Raya).  She is survived by her brothers John D. (Sarah) Raya of Fresno and David Raya of Temecula; her sister Virginia Garcia of Salida; her loving sons Gil (Rosa) Esquer, Danny (Elena) Raya, and Phillip (Christina) Delgadillo; and daughters Linda (Alan) Julien, Shirley (Ron) Siler and Diane (Clemente) Jimenez.  She also had many nephews and nieces, 19 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.  

Josephine was only allowed to attend school for three years before she was called to care for her siblings and she developed a solid and tenacious work ethic.  She worked farm labor, cannery and poultry work her entire life.  She was passionate about her family and extremely motivated to help them succeed.  After a work injury that she never fully recuperated from, she discovered volunteering. In fact, she began “Connie’s Clothes Closet” at United Samaritans Foundation 28 years ago when it was beginning service to the area.  Her compassion and capacity to help others never wavered.

Josephine was a true matriarch and loved spending time with her family and friends.  She was a self-taught woman and her intense love of faith, family and country inspired her journey in life.  She is now pain free rejoicing in heaven with her loved ones.  She asked that we not shed tears that she is gone, but rather smile because she lived!  She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. 

The family expresses its deepest gratitude to Sutter Gould doctors, Memorial Hospital and Covenant Care Hospice for leading them through a difficult process with genuine love and respect.  The family extends blessings to the church, friends and loved ones involved in her life.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to:  United Samaritans Foundation, Sacred Heart Church or the charity of your choice.

A rosary and mass are scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, corner of Lyons and Rose Streets, Turlock.  Internment will be held at Turlock Memorial Park at a later date.