Josephine Barranco Munoz

Josephine Barranco Munoz, 84, of Topeka, died March 24, 2011 at Midland Hospice House.

She was born on March 13, 1927 in Mexico City, Mexico the daughter of Juan and Tereza (Perez) Barranco.  At the age of 12 she went to work for Seymour Foods so that she could care for and support her brothers and sisters.  She later worked for La Siesta Restaurant and was a Teacher’s Aid for USD #501 from 1970 to 1987.  Her entire life was spent caring for others, especially children.  She was a mother to her siblings, children, grandchildren and all the students she loved and helped over the years. 

Josephine was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, the Altar Society at the church, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Sewing Circle, was past vice-president of the P.T.A. for Lafayette Elementary School, watched EWTN and made rosaries.

Her hobbies included:  sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidering, candy making, cake decorating and baking pies. 

She married Buena Ventura Munoz in Topeka, Kansas on June 21, 1947.  He preceded her in death on October 11, 1997.  She was also predeceased by a son Arthur Munoz, four sisters, Aurora Sanchez, Concepcion Martinez, Maria Rocha, Amparo Gamino and four brothers, Benjamin, Pete, Angel and Jesus Barranco.

Survivors include:  three sons, Pete (Gloria) Munoz, Lino Munoz and Buena Munoz, four daughters, Teresa (Charles) Wilson, Victoria (Jesus) Gutierrez, Rebecca (Ruben) Cruz, Josephine (Vincent) Alfrey, a brother, Salvador Barranco, three sisters, Rafaela “Ralph” Salazar, Dolores “Lola” Torrez, and Cenaida “Cenny” Gonzalez all of Topeka, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Josephine will lie in state at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Monday after 4:00 p.m. where an Altar Society Rosary will be at 5:00 p.m., a Parish Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with interment to follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Marlo Cuevas Balandran Activity Center and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.