Josefa Barco, 89, of Rothbury, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 5, 1936, in San Felipe, Mexico, the daughter of Bernardino and Tomasa (Rodriguez) Cano.
Josefa will be lovingly remembered for her devotion to her family and the quiet strength, care and love she shared throughout her life. Above all, Josefa loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply, and her family was the center of her world. When she was able, she would tend to her garden and sew with care, and she cherished spending time with her beloved white cat, Blanco. A woman of deep faith, Josefa was always praying to her Heavenly Father and could often be heard singing her cherished church hymns. In her later years, Josefa lived with dementia, yet in moments of clarity, her family deeply cherished the precious time they were able to share with her.
Josefa is survived by her children: Santiago (Maria) Barco, Filomeno Barco, Francisco Barco, Juan (Mara) Barco, Jose (Lynda) Barco, Joe (Maria Romana) Rios, Juanita Barco, Guillermo Barco Jr. and Emilio (Kathleen) Barco; her siblings Maria (Clemente) Alvarez, Maria Rosario Rangel and Desideria Segovia; her sister-in-law Maria Antonia Barco; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Josefa was preceded in death by: her parents; beloved spouse, Guillermo Barco; brothers, Juan Cano and Eduardo Cano; and sister, Juana Barco.
As much as her family hurts, we find comfort in knowing our mom is now at peace. She will be so deeply missed and forever loved.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, 316 S. Peach St., Hart, Michigan 49420, with Fr. Juan Palomar presiding. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan 49455, with a praying of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. An additional visitation will be held Saturday, from 11 a.m. until the time of services at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shelby, Michigan.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. harrisfhome.com
