Josephine N. (Hook) Pedevilla

Josephine N. Hook Pedevilla, 88 of Gonzales, Ca, passed away on November 15, 2023 at her home with all her loved ones by her side. She was born August 30,1935, in the Soledad Mission District. She was 1 of 10 children and the last to leave this earth. Josephine, affectionately known as "Grandma Jo," was a woman of immense kindness and unwavering devotion to her loved ones. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Grandma Jo is preceded in death by her son Robbie Pedevilla, her parents Frank and Madeline Hook, her siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, niece, nephew, mother in law and sisters and brother in-laws.

During her career, Grandma Jo dedicated herself to driving the school bus for Monterey County Office of Education and later for Gonzales Elementary School District until her retirement at the age of 65. She found joy in catering alongside her good friends Alma and Betty for 7 years, creating lasting memories and sharing laughter with her dear friends.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Grandma Jo indulged in a variety of hobbies. She took delight in celebrating with her Birthday Girls going to the Salinas Rodeo, Bowling trips and staying up all night, gambling with a sense of thrill. Grandma Jo was also a devoted volunteer in helping Gonzales Elementary school to get a home made track field, Robs Run Inc., offering her time and support to hospice care. She found solace in exploring flea markets, relishing in the unique treasures she would uncover.

Grandma Jo's heart overflowed with love and compassion, as she selflessly dedicated herself to serving others. She generously shared her time, skills, even at the darkest hours of the night. Her acts of kindness and support were a testament to her deep-rooted belief in the inherent goodness of humanity and her community.

A Very Special Thank You to her niece Terrie Sanchez for giving grandma -Jo one of her days off, to give Jami a few hours off it was a blessing for both of us.

Left to cherish her memory are her Son John W (Ann) Pedevilla; her daughter Denise Lugo (Steve Rodrigues) and her foreign exchange Daughter: Evro Antoniadou from Cyprus and her cherished dog, Baby.

She is survived by: her loving granddaughter and dedicated caregiver: Jami (Gabriel) Rodriguez; grandson Joey (Jessica) Pedevilla; granddaughters Brandi (Tommy) Diaz and Rikki (Beau) Meier; grandson Shane Pedevilla and granddaughter Nikki (Brian) Caprara, and grandson Jermain Ybarra. Her great grandchildren:Devon (Josh) Hench, Chayse Caprara, Graycie Rodriguez, Nathanyel Rodriguez, Jaelyn Diaz, Paige Pedevilla, Ayden Pedevilla, Izaiah Diaz, Arlo Meier, Charlee Meier, Bryce Crabtree, Jeffrey Ybarra and Rachel Ybarra.

It gave her pure joy to meet her first great great grandson: Grayson Hench.

Plus all her extended family, nieces and nephews, friends and her Class of 1954 Gonzales High School Classmates.

A traditional Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Grandma Jo on March 2, 2024 from 1-4pm at St. Theodore Church Hall, 122 S. Belden St. in Gonzales.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests contributions be made to the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center for the Town of Gonzales (Checks should be made payable to the "Community Foundation for Monterey County" with "Gonzales Capital Campaign" in the memo line. Mail to: Community Foundation for Monterey County, 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940. Or donate online at: www.cfmco.org/Gonzales CommunityCenter). Or VNA Hospice of Monterey County, organizations that held a special place in Grandma Jo's heart.

The Woodyard Funeral Home, located in Soledad, Ca is entrusted with overseeing the arrangements for Grandma Jo Josephine Hook Pedevilla's final farewell.

Grandma Jo's legacy is one of boundless love, selflessness, and unwavering kindness, understanding. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends, as they hold her in their hearts with deep reverence and gratitude.

Published in King City Rustler · February 20, 2024