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 at a time she taught catechism. She was also involved in Special Olympics. She was also a very active auxiliary member with the American Legion. Mom enjoyed taking care of our plants, crocheting blankets for her kids, grandkids and friends. She loved cooking and baking for her family. She was always feeding someone, no one left her house hungry. She loved her little dog Gigi and her dog Bear, who 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 of the way. She also loved her siblings, nephews and nieces.
She is preceded in death by her husband Max G. Gallegos; parents, Soloman and Juanita Duran; sister, Tillie Luna; and brother, Tommy and his wife, Hope Duran.
She is survived by her five children, Debbie Mewhinney, Patsy (Manny)_Tafoya, Max (Deana) Gallegos, Annette Zalenski and Renee (Phil) Poplawski. Her brother, Jimmy (Priscilla) Durnan 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 internment to follow at the Holbrook Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Sala across from the church.
