Josephine “Josie” Lariosa
Josephine Lariosa went Home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 21, 2015. She was a resident of Colorado Springs for 22 years and was formerly a resident of Miami, FL. She was the best mother in the world, and a great military spouse. At the request of the Honorable Hilda L. Solis, member of Congress, a U.S. Flag was flown in Josephine’s honor over the U.S. Capital for her devotion as an Air Force wife, mother, and supporter. She volunteered at several Base Hospitals and Chapels throughout the world. Josephine was presented this flag in an official ceremony at the Pentagon in July 2005. She loved and faithfully served God, family and country.
Josephine was born on April 23, 1933 to Santos Ortegon and Estefana (Perez) Ortegon in Fort Worth, TX. On June 28, 1951 she married Inocente T. (Larry) Lariosa in Fort Worth, TX.
Josephine was fond of traveling and an avid reader. She was a Red Cross Volunteer at the Homestead AF Base, FL Hospital and served diligently at the Base Chapel for several years before Hurricane Andrew destroyed her residence. She moved to Colorado Springs in 1993. Josephine was a member of Holy Apostles Catholic Church and enjoyed serving as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a member of the Colorado Springs Cursillo Movement Secretariat (1999-2001). She faithfully prayed for those attending the Cursillo Week Ends. She adored children and in Florida was actively involved in Children’s ministry teaching the little ones about her Jesus. Josephine was a little lady with a big heart, full of love and life.
Josephine’s parents, Santos and Estefana Ortegon; and her seven siblings: Mike Ortegon, Elvira Rivera, Sam Ortegon, Jesse Ortegon, Pete Ortegon, Sofia Vargas, and Frank Ortegon; and twin daughters all passed before her to prepare her Homecoming. She is lovingly survived by her husband of 64 years, her children and their families which she always said were her greatest accomplishment – husband, Larry; children: Larry Lariosa Jr, Robert (Martha) Lariosa, Michael (Pamela) Lariosa, Joseph (Brenda) Lariosa, Richard Lariosa, and June (Edward) Huber; grandchildren: Shawn (Lariosa) Duckworth, Donny Lariosa, and Michael Lariosa; great grandchildren: Emily (Lariosa) Hughes and Bryson (Lariosa) Duckworth.
Viewing will be from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am, Friday, October 30, 2015 at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 North Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80917. Interment will follow (2:15pm) at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO.