Josephine Jimenez

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine “Josie” Jimenez, born Josephine Cobas, on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Born on February 7, 1943, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Josephine — known as Josie to her friends and family — was one of seven children — six daughters and one son.

On October 30, 1951, Josie came to the United States by way of New York City and later settled in Chicago, the city that would become her lifelong home. She attended St. Pius, a Catholic school, until the seventh grade, when her parents withdrew her from school and sent her to work. She spent more than twenty years working in numerous factories, always contributing steadily and tirelessly to her family’s livelihood.

Though Josie faced many hardships and challenges, she always did her best and instilled in her children the values of hard work, resilience, and determination. She continued to teach herself to read throughout her life, keeping a worn and wrinkled dictionary always nearby. One of her proudest accomplishments was studying for and earning her certification as a Certified Nurse's Assistant (C.N.A.), a testament to her perseverance and dedication.

Josie’s life was defined by her strength, resilience, and deep love for her family. She was the proud mother of five children: Tammy Irene Becerra (née Wilson), Floyd Lee Wilson, Stanley Wayne Wilson, Sirina Ramona Jimenez, and Clemente “CJ” Jimenez, Jr. She is survived by her children Tammy, Sirina, and CJ.

She is also survived by her son-in-law, Guillermo Becerra, and daughters-in-law, Lupe Wilson and Rosa Wilson; her grandchildren, James, Jonathan, Juan, Jackie, Brittany, Samantha, Matthew, Leo, and Tony; and her great-grandchildren, Logan, Brayden, and Jameson. Her family was her greatest joy, and her legacy of love and devotion will continue through each of them.

Josie was a private person, but once you earned her trust, she welcomed you warmly, often over a shared cup of coffee. She had a quick wit and a lively spirit — quick to laugh and quick to speak her mind. Beneath her strength was a quiet understanding of the importance of standing by your family, through every joy and hardship.

Josie found great joy in her creativity, especially through crafts — making delicate flowers out of ribbon, folding intricate origami, and decorating boxes and rocks with her beautiful decoupage work. On weekends, she filled her home with the sounds of music while she cleaned, creating a lively atmosphere that her family will always remember. In every corner of her home, the quiet strength of her Puerto Rican roots could be felt — a lasting testament to her identity and the spirit she shared with all who knew her. 

May she now find the peace and rest she so deeply deserves.

“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” — William Shakespeare

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.