In loving memory

Josefita "Joeie" Gurule-Blanco

February 1, 1947 – March 7, 2026

Josefita "Joeie" Gurule-Blanco, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all,

passed away peacefully at the age of 79 in her home city of Albuquerque, New Mexico on

March 7, 2026. Born on February 1, 1947, to Erminio and Mary Agnes Gurule, Joeie

was, in every sense of the word, a powerhouse — a woman of fierce independence,

unshakeable strength, and a warmth that drew everyone around her close.

She raised three boys largely on her own and worked tirelessly until the age of 70. Joeie

never waited for anyone to give her permission, and never let anyone tell her she

couldn't do something. When Joeie wanted something, she wanted it “yesterday”, a

quality her family laughs about and loves her for. She was the glue that held everyone

together, always the first to lend a hand and make someone feel truly seen and special.

Joeie was an early bird, always up before the sun and never one to be late. She had a

contagious laugh and was someone everyone could count on. Beaming with wisdom and

a wealth of life experience, Joeie was always ready for a "chit-chat," full of helpful

advice, and the kind of person you could call on whenever you needed her. She also

enjoyed dancing, getting her nails done, playing solitaire, and a good book. There wasn't

much Joeie didn't like, aside from the cold — as she would say, she loved the sun and

being warm.

In 2021, Joeie was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a condition that took so

much of the physical independence she had always treasured. And yet, through the

wheelchair, the hospital stays, and the hard days that nobody outside her closest circle

ever fully knew about, she kept smiling. She never let on how much she was carrying.

Joeie was a true matriarch — right up until the very end, her mark on this world is

invaluable.

She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Que en paz descanse. Siempre en

nuestros corazones.

Preceded in death by

Her parents, Erminio and Mary Agnes Gurule; her sister Mary Aragon; her brother Lorenzo

Gurule; and her cherished granddaughter Shambrae Garcia.

Survived by

Her loving sons Joseph Garcia (Desiree), Erminio Gonzalez, and Santiago Gonzalez; her

treasured grandchildren Angelo, Marissa, Elijah, and Nevaeh; her devoted brother Erminio

Gurule (Sabrina); her dear sister Ana Gurule; her husband Jose Blanco; and a host of family

members and friends whose lives she touched in ways they will carry forever.

Services

A Rosary will be recited on April 21st at 9:30 AM, followed by Mass at 10:00 AM, both held

at San José de los Duranes, located at 2110 Los Luceros Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM. Burial

will follow at San José de Armijo Cemetery, 2957 Arenal Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121. A

reception will follow; location to be announced.