Obituary of Jovita Isquierdo

Jovita “Pauline” Isquierdo

Jovita “Pauline” Isquierdo died peacefully in her sleep on June 8, 2024, at her home in Denver, Colorado. She was 99 years old. She was born February 15, 1925 in Taylor, Texas to Juan Castanon and Adela Cruz, who preceded her in death, as well as numerous siblings, family members and life-long friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Rachel Hochen (Denver, CO) and Maria (David) Isquierdo (Lincoln, NE); brother, Trinidad Castanon (Taylor, TX); stepmother, Carmen Castanon (Saginaw, MI); sisters Christina Garza (San Antonio, TX) and Elena (David- Saginaw, MI); along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Adela, her mother, died when Jovita was four years old. Along with her siblings, Josephine and Vincent, she was raised by her father and her grandmother, Chanita, and aunt Joaquina, in Saginaw, MI.

She gained the nickname Pauline in kindergarten, when a teacher at her first country school could not pronounce the name Jovita. 

Pauline accompanied her father, along with her siblings, performing field work at a very young age for many years. If it grew out of the ground, chances are that she laid her hands on it. Starting during World War II, she worked for General Motors as a rocker arms inspector for twenty years.

Her marriage to Jesus Isquierdo ended in divorce, although they remained friends until his death in 1999. She moved to Denver, CO with her youngest daughter, Maria in 1976.  She was subsequently employed by a prominent Denver family as a housekeeper for twenty-five years.

Following a mild stroke, she moved into her daughter Rachel’s home and remained with her there until her death.

Pauline was independent, witty and a hard-worker. She believed in the power of prayer.

When asked why she never remarried, she replied quickly, “Ted Turner wasn’t available.”  She was a long-time member of the Church of the Risen Christ and volunteered there frequently.  She was particularly proud to volunteer when the Pope visited Denver for World Youth Day celebration in 1993. She was exceptionally proud of her daughter, Maria’s accomplishments.

Pauline was a kind, warm and generous person to all who knew and loved her.

She was able to stay in her home until her death, surrounded by exceptional caregivers, including Natividad who spoke Spanish to her, which gave her much comfort. Her family appreciated the generosity, kindness and understanding of her neighbors.

Her final days were eased with the assistance of Namaste Hospice which provided her with measures to keep her comfortable until her last breath.

She will be missed by those who loved her. God speed, Jovita. May her memory be a blessing.

SERVICE: A funeral liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at St. Joseph Church, 610 N. Sixth Street, Saginaw, Michigan 48601, followed by burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, MI. Family and friends will gather at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Service.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com