Josephine Bell's Obituary
JOSEPHINE BELL JOSEPHINE BELL Born Josefina Velasquez on June 26, 1924, in Oakland, Calif., Her name changed to Josephine sometime during her schooling. In her life, she would also be known as “Josie” or simply “Jo.” The eldest of 12 kids, Josephine had acquired the stamina she would always be recognized for, early in life, by helping her mother with the other siblings. The workplace provided funds for nice dresses, shoes and even a car, and Josephine earned them all at an early age. She would always be known as self-reliant. On April 7, 1948, Josephine (23) married Benny McBride (24) (of Grants, New Mexico) in Oakland, Ca. and two years later they moved to Grants. After 10 years and 4 more children, Josephine divorced and moved back to Oakland where she became a confectioner at the bakery for the world famous Mother’s Cookies. Though she moved to Milpitas and later Fremont, Josephine remained at Mother’s long enough to receive a distinguished 25 years of Service honor as well from the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union. Remarried on December 12, 1974 to Manuel Bell, Josephine settled in Fremont until divorcing in January 1990. Retiring to Stockton, Josephine remained there until 2006 and moved last to the South Bay area to be with her daughters and remaining son. To her last breath Josephine was distinguished for her beauty, pride, strength, and outspoken manner(!?). Through the remaining hours she was surrounded by her 3 daughters, son, a number of grandsons, great-grand kids, siblings and friends. Moments after her youngest sister Lorraine arrived, Josephine opened her eyes a bit slightly and seemed to recognize everyone, mouthed what may have been a “Goodbye!” and her chest settled. A last “Goodbye!” — it was what we had all hoped for. Josephine now re-unites with her eldest beloved son, Bennie McBride, Jr. Thank you Josephine, “Jo,” “Josie,” Mom, Grandma — you were simply THE BEST!! Visitation for Family and Friends will be Saturday March 3, 2007 from 9am to 10:30am, Chapel Services will be at 10:30am at Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (510) 471-3363.Chapel of the Chimes(510) 471-3363www.chapelofthechimes.com
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