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Josephine Robinson Abarca was born on October 30, 1930, to Edward and Goldie Robinson in Paterson, NJ. The oldest of three children, she spent her younger years with her maternal grandmother, Sarah Earl, before joining her parents in New York City.
Josephine was the first in her family to graduate from an all-girls Catholic High School in New York City. As a teenager Josephine met the love of her life, Francisco Abarca, also known as Tito. On February 26, 1950, they married and went on to have seven beautiful children. In 1975 Josephine took in her first foster child, Joey Aponte. They would be the only parents he ever knew. They raised their children in NYC’s Grant Projects until 1976 when they eventually purchased a home in Paterson, NJ. During those years in Paterson, they would eventually take in over one hundred foster children until 2004. She went on to enjoy 62 years of marital bliss until Francisco’s passing in 2012.
As a mother of seven children, Josephine instilled values in her children and modeled behavior that will be carried on to the next generations. She was kind and loving and brought her children up to be strong, proud, and independent. Josephine had a special love for her niece Iris, who was more of a daughter to her and brought a smile to her face every time they were together. She also treasured and enjoyed every moment she shared with her nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Josephine retired after working 26 years at the New York Telephone Company as a directory assistance operator. Josephine was highly regarded by her friends and neighbors at the senior residence where she lived for the past 18 years. She always had a smile for all who crossed her path. For those who knew her well they knew of her dedication and love for children. Prior to the Pandemic, she also found joy in attending Bingo and other senior citizen activities that gave her an opportunity to be a part of her senior community. She was quite a people person.
Josephine leaves behind six daughters and one son: Lydia Mitchell, Celia Abarca, Diana O’Neill, Raquel Johnson, Sandra Lopez, DBA, Francisco Abarca, Jr., and Josephine Ellis. Her nieces: Iris Raiford, Judith Dunn, and Sabrina McDow. Her nephew: Lonnie Wallace. She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Lindsay, Sergio, Anthony, Daniella, Ricky, Eric, Nadia, C.J. and Tyler. She also leaves behind five great grandchildren: Christian, Hannah, Ava Josephine, Avery, and Emilia. Her granddaughter-in-law, Lauren, and her two beloved sons-in-law, Joe O’Neill and Al Mitchell.
Josephine would want to acknowledge her special love for Dwight Raiford, Jeanette Wallace, Teresa Martin, Jimmy Lopez, Vernon Johnson, Wanda Pomales, Todd Ellis, Leigh Raiford Cohen, Ph.D., and Josh Raiford.
Josephine was preceded in death by her brother Bucky Robinson and her sister Shirley Mordecai.
She loved her family with all of her heart. She will be greatly missed and the memory of her will be a blessing.
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