Obituary of Alicia Mosqueda

Mosqueda, Alicia M.

Saginaw, Michigan

Surrounded by her loving family, Alicia passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, 2021, at the age of 97.  Alicia Maldonado was born on November 6, 1923 to the late Merejildo and Santos (Garza) Maldonado.  Alicia, one of seven children, was raised in Encinal, Texas.  On February 5, 1942, Alicia married Jose Mosqueda in Crystal City, Texas, and they celebrated 63 years of marriage before his death on October 16, 2005.  After spending many years in La Pryor, Texas, Alicia and Jose moved to Saginaw in 1971 to join other family members.  Alicia was a loving and giving person, with deep faith and spirituality.  She became dedicated to ministry work with St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Working closely with the late Rev. Fr. Daniel Anholzer, Alicia followed her calling to assist seasonal migrant workers and countless others in the Hispanic community with their evangelical needs.  Her gift of service was vast and included leading bible study groups in Spanish, assisting children and parents in preparation for the rites of baptism and confirmation, leading prayers for grieving families during Novenas, and sharing communion to those who were hospitalized or homebound.  Alicia was commissioned as a lay minister, served as lector and Eucharistic minister, and was a devoted Prayer Warrior.  She held leadership positions in Las Damas de Guadalupe organization and with the Cursillo group for women.  Alicia received a number of awards for her many years of service including recognition from the Rev. Bishop Francis F. Reh of the Saginaw Diocese and the Michigan Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs.  For her work in the community, Alicia was also selected as a “Saginawian of the Year” by the Saginaw News and was a recipient of the Adelante Faith Award by MiGente magazine.

Later in life, Alicia shared her exceptional cooking skills in Mexican cuisine by catering many events.  She partnered with her dear sister-in-law, Dolores (“Lola”) Mosqueda, and good friends, Linda Estrada, and Angelita (“Helen”) Gonzalez to offer this much sought-out service.

Alicia also loved family gatherings and celebrations, especially when there was an opportunity to play Mexican Bingo.  Recognizing its importance, she encouraged many to maintain or learn the Spanish language.

Alicia’s memory will be honored by her surviving three sons and three daughters: Jose (Alicia, deceased) Mosqueda, Jr., Yolanda (Dr. Raul Salazar, Ph.D., deceased) Salazar, Dr. Raul (Margarita) Mosqueda, D.D.S, Carolina (Armando) Gonzales, Jesus (Susan) Mosqueda, and Maria (Michael) Ortega; seventeen grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 23 great great-grandchildren; many very beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and a multitude of friends. Alicia also leaves her special friends, Arturo and Minnie Rosales.

Alicia was preceded in death by her husband, Jose; sons, Juan Manuel and Antonio; great grandson, Delmonte T. Johnson II; and her special friend, Beatriz G. Valle.  Also, Alicia’s six siblings and their spouses have preceded her in death.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stone Crest Assisted Living who provided excellent care to Alicia.  Also, much gratitude to the many family members and friends for their love and expressions of thoughtfulness over the years to Alicia.

FUNERAL:  Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6^th Ave.  Rev. Fr. Frank Voris, O.F.M. Cap will officiate. For those unable to attend the funeral liturgy, it will be livestreamed through the Facebook page of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Rite of Committal will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In keeping with mandated ordinances; face masks will be required, social distancing observed and limits in number of gathered at one time.

VISITATION:  Family and friends are welcome to visit at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State) on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  A private Vigil Service will take place Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Because of limitations of attendance, the Vigil Service will be livestreamed through https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/6061969687.  On Wednesday morning, Alicia will be taken to the church to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Stone Crest Assisted Living.  Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or online at www.deislerfuneralhome.com.