Lasting Memories

Josephine - Ventura
Jan. 9, 1939-Sept. 12, 2025
Mountain View, California

Josephine Ventura, a beloved sister, aunt, and world traveler, passed away peacefully in Redwood City, California, surrounded by family and love. She was 86 years old. Born in Kahuku, Oahu, in what was then the U.S. Territory of Hawaii, Josephine was proud to be the daughter of Filipino immigrants, Eulogio and Edilberta Ventura. She loved being born and raised in Hawaii and carried the aloha spirit with her throughout her life. She was also deeply proud of her Filipino Ilocano heritage and embraced the qualities she associated with it—resourcefulness, resilience, independence, deep family ties, and a strong work ethic. These traits were woven into everything she did, from her career to her hobbies and relationships. Josephine spent her childhood in Whitmore Village, attending Helemano School, and later pursued her high school education at the Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu. She earned her degree in sociology from the University of Hawaii, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service and social work. Early in life, Josephine worked at the Dole Pineapple cannery, and upon completing college, she began her career as a social worker advancing community programs in Hawaii and Wisconsin. Ultimately, she settled in the Bay Area in 1970, living in San Francisco, Palo Alto, San Mateo, and Mountain View. In San Mateo County, she served with compassion and dedication as a social worker and later as a transportation officer, retiring in 2006 after decades of public service. Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, Josephine was baptized at St. Roch in Kahuku, received her First Communion and Confirmation at Our Lady of Sorrows in Wahiawa, and received the Anointing of the Sick at the Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park. Her faith was a steady and comforting presence throughout her life. Josephine’s love of life was matched only by her curiosity about the world. A passionate traveler, she explored destinations far and wide — from France, Greece, Italy and England to Guatemala, Colombia, Israel and Turkey. She had a love for languages, learning French, Italian, and Spanish, and a deep appreciation for culture through food, music, and photography. For decades, she also pursued investing, researching and trading individual stocks daily. She relished a good meal, especially Filipino, Japanese, Mediterranean, Spanish, and Peruvian cuisines, and took special delight in spoiling her nieces, nephews, and their children. Bridge was one of her greatest joys. Josephine played with enthusiasm, passion, and skill, and cherished the time spent with her bridge friends. She had a quick wit, a joyful sense of humor, and a remarkable memory—qualities that endeared her to all who knew her. Josephine was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Crisencio, William, and Urlando. She is lovingly remembered by her brother Honorio and sister Caroline Sato, and by 14 nieces and nephews who will forever treasure her love, wisdom, and humor. She lived with purpose, gave with generosity, and leaves behind a legacy of love, curiosity, wit, and grace.