Love Joy Peace

Josefina "Joy" Magalad Villaflor, age 97, passed away peacefully in her family home on Saturday, 15th July around 7:45 PM. Josefina was born in Iguig Cagayan Philippines on March 19, 1926 to her mother, Florencia Garrafa and her father, Galo Dichoso Magalad. Her mother passed away early; her father Galo remarried to Maria Rumusud Magalad. At the age of 18, Josefina, 4'11" married her tall sweetheart, Geminiano Villaflor, and they spent a further 60 years joyfully married and started a beautiful life together with 5 children. Josefina spent just over 20 years as a teacher at Iguig Elementary School, Iguig Cagayan Philippines. She was loved and adored by all her pupils, proving to be a wonderful teacher and friend to her students. She retired over 3 decades ago and since then took up hobbies like gardening and sharpened her cooking skills. Josefina excelled in various things she did; she was such an exceptional elementary school teacher that she was awarded Pilot Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, she was a dance tutor for all grade levels. She was an excellent cook. When Josefina immigrated to the US, she joined her husband, Geminiano, in California. Geminiano was staying at 947 S. Windsor Blvd. in Koreatown with Auntie Glory, Auntie Nena, Uncle Lito, Auntie Juliet and Uncle Galo. Then Geminiano and Baldomero Aligo, got a job in Santa Maria, CA where they stayed for about 3 years. Geminiano moved back to Los Angeles when Josefina arrived from the Philippines. They stayed at an apartment at 325 S. Westlake Avenue with Uncle Ador and Auntie Ester. The adjustment of cultural shock was easy with the assistance and guidance of relatives. A few months later, they were persuaded to manage an apartment at 14707 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91411. It was not fun but it was a good experience. They appreciated what managers have to endure. They'd had enough so they moved to 5512 Radford Avenue, North Hollywood, CA with the Cruz family - Rosalina (daughter) and Bernie Cruz (son-in-law). About 3 years later, they moved to 420 S. Harvard Blvd. in the early 90s where Josefina had a bout of aneurysm. Medical professionals' prognosis for recovery was slim to none. Geminiano was advised that Josefina will either die during the operation or, if she survived, would be totally disabled - physically and mentally. She survived. After 6 months of Rehab, Josefina was released and fully recovered; meaning she was able to talk, walk, cook, garden, dance and sing to the Lord. She shared her testimony of her trip to and back from heaven where she was met by Jesus. The King of the Universe showed her the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 20:15) and told Josefina that her name was not yet written on it (Jesus allowed her to return to her body on the operating table). On August 2003, Josefina and Geminiano moved to Palmdale, CA where they found a sense of peace away from the busy city life. Josefina maintained her great attitude in every season. She was a faithful wife, a loving, gentle and extremely thoughtful mother and grandmother. Each morning, she could be heard either humming or singing hymns to the Lord. After watching The Price is Right, she would continue her prayers for everyone on the planet. Josefina is survived by her five children: Rosalina Cruz (husband Lavernie Cruz), Maria Isabel Gedoria (husband Toto Gedoria), Bernabe Villaflor, Corason Villaflor, and Justin Villaflor (wife Cynthia). Josefina will be missed. She lived a long, fulfilled and godly life. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.