Josephine "Josie" Adelina Rael

Josephine “Josie” Adelina Rael passed away on March 28, 2021 at Hope West Care Center, Grand Junction, Colorado.

She was born on August 31st, 1944 to Agapito Salazar and Amalia (Vigil) Salazar in Clayton, New Mexico. 

After graduating from Fort Lupton High School, she married the love of her life Gilbert “Gil” Rael on April 20th, 1963. They began their family with the birth of their daughter Romaine in 1964, closely followed by their son Romauld in 1965 and lastly their daughter Roxanne in 1970. 

In addition to raising her family, Josie worked full time climbing the corporate ladder with ambition and hard work.  She was most proud of her job as a Premises Coordinator for a major firm, but always said that her most rewarding job was working at a mortuary using her talents as a communicator and artist. 

Josie loved doing anything outside.  Gardening, woodworking, reading and puzzles were some of her favorite pastimes.  Creating and fixing anything came naturally to her, whether it was painting a landscape or repairing the lawnmower.  She was an accomplished seamstress and embroiderer, but truly gifted as a whistler.  

She is reunited with her husband of 58 years.  She is survived by her siblings Agapito Salazar, Epifanio Salazar, Patricia Abeyta, Alfonso Salazar, Diana Sandoval, Isabella Garcia, Victoria Romero, Louis Salazar, Thomas Salazar, Juan Salazar, Jeri Bruner, Darlene Rasmussen and Michael Salazar; children, Romaine (Tod) Woomer of Grand Junction, CO, Romauld Rael of Larned, KS, Roxanne (Lou) Guidichessi of Castle Pines, CO; grandchildren Amanda (Josh) Dunkle of Aurora, CO, Anna (Alex) Weisiger of Denver, CO, Alexander (Hania) Woomer of Morgantown, WV, Aidan Woomer of Denver, CO, Andrew Guidichessi of Castle Pines, Devin Guidichessi of Colorado Springs, CO, Dylan Guidichessi of Omaha, NE and Ryan Rael of Indianapolis, IN.

Donations in Josie’s Honor can be made to: Hope West Care Center, 3090 North 12th Street, Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506

Under current Covid restrictions St. Augustine Catholic Church is limited to 200-250 People. Ft. Logan National Cemetery is limited to 10 people. With these restrictions still in place Josephine's services will be broadcast live and recorded for your viewing convenience. To view please click the tab below on the day of her services.

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