Josefina Gonzalez

Josefina Alexander Gonzalez, prominent and beloved businesswoman and philanthropist, peacefully went to be with Our Lord on Tuesday, December 09, 2014, joining her loved ones in heaven. Born in Laredo on December 14, 1914, to the late Fred E. Alexander and Delfina Benavides Alexander, she would have been 100 years old today. She and her sister, the late Delfina E. Alexander, were the co-founders of D&J Alexander Estates and of the Alexander Family Foundation. Along with their mother they lovingly donated land for J. B. Alexander High School in memory of their brother, Johnny, who was killed in World War II. The sisters also donated land to the City of Laredo to construct two fire stations in North Laredo. A former teacher aide and ardent supporter of education, Mrs. Alexander Gonzalez established the Delfina and Josefina Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M International University and awarded annual scholarships to Alexander High School graduates. She generously supported the Sacred Heart Children's Home; the Diocese of Laredo and numerous churches, including Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Christ the King Catholic Church, San Agustin Catholic Church, Christ Church Episcopal, and First United Methodist Church; and many other civic and charitable organizations. She was preceded in death by her husband Federico Gonzalez del Castillo and her son Federico Gonzalez, Jr. Mrs. Alexander Gonzalez is survived by her daughter, Rocio G. (Vidal) Guerra; her grandson, Vidal Guerra III; her granddaughter, Mayela Guerra; and numerous other relatives and friends. Her faith and legacy were celebrated with a Mass at San Agustn Cathedral at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Interment followed at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ricardo E. Alexander, Ricardo E. Alexander, Jr., Eduardo Alexander, John Frederick Alexander, Guillermo Alexander, and Vidal Guerra, III. Honorary Pallbearers were Patrick Alexander, Sr., Roberto Alexander, Joe Benavides, and Enrique Benavides. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Delfina and Josefina Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M International University or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. The family especially appreciates the excellent care Mrs. Alexander Gonzalez received from Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa and her caretakers at the Laredo Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center during her recent illness. They would welcome your expressions of love and respect via the online guestbook at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez; Laredo, Texas 78040; (956) 722-0001.