Josephine Bernal Lujan, 84, and Cesario Thomas ‘Jimmy’ Bernal, 85, of Taos

Cesario, age 85 and Josephine, age 84 spent a lifetime together and are now united in eternity. Josephine left on her journey to the spirit world on the early morning of September 15, 2020 after a brief illness. Not long after that, Cesario followed the love of his life on the late evening of January 26, 2021 at home surrounded by family. Married for almost 61 years, they created an everlasting bond. They were married on November 28, 1959 at Taos Pueblo, NM. Cesario was preceded in death by his parents Cesario T. Lujan, Sr. and Tonita M. Lujan, Margaret L. Perez (sister), Melvin Lujan (brother), and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He is survived by his brother Harry Lujan and sister-in-law Alice Lujan, and Frank Perez (brother-in-law) and numerous nieces and nephews. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents Joe Bernal and Cesarita Cordova as well as Helen Bernal (sister), Joe Bernal (brother), Lupe Romero (brother), Rosina Stout (sister), Manual Cordova (grandpa), and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She is survived by Shirley Lujan (sister), Virgil Lujan (brother-in-law) and numerous nieces, nephews, and family at Sandia Pueblo. Cesario and Josephine are preceded in death by their grandson Lyle Meyers. They are survived by their daughter Ernestine (Tina) Meyers, son-in-law Glenn Meyers and their children Matthew J. Meyers, Michael E. Meyers, and Melissa D. Meyers; son Deryle J. Lujan and his children Midnight Lujan and Hunter Lujan; daughter Mary Elaine Lujan and her children Merlin Fragua, Bryson Fragua, and Tomas Fragua and 5 great-grandchildren; son Dean H. Lujan and his children Cameron Lujan, Lonnie Lujan and husband Brandon Trujillo and their two children Zayan and Lia, Angel Lujan and Isaac Lujan. They have numerous godchildren and witnessed several marriages in which they gained additional children and grandchildren. Cesario was born and raised at Taos Pueblo and attended Taos High School where he was active in basketball and football. He was also in the National Guard while in high school and attended New Mexico A&M (aka NMSU) for a short while. He worked for U.S. Public Health Service/Indian Health Service/ Office of Environmental Health and Engineering as an Environmental Health Technician for 33 years, retiring in 1991. He developed numerous long-lasting friendships along the way. Upon his retirement he served in Tribal government as Tribal Sheriff, Warchief, and councilman. He was a rancher and raised alfalfa, cattle, and horses. He loved to spend time in the mountains whether it was doing hard work or fishing at Eagles Nest and Hopewell. He had countless stories to tell about his childhood, career, adventures in the mountains, and his old roping days. Josephine was born and raised at Taos Pueblo by her maternal grandfather and aunts. She attended school at Taos Day School and graduated from Santa Fe Indian School where she was a member of the pep squad. After high school, she went to nursing school in Oklahoma and became a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She worked for Indian Health Service, Taos Holy Cross, home health care, and retired from the Taos Living Center at the age of 80. In between her nursing career she worked as a teacher’s aide and seamstress. She was well known for her shawls, baked bread, prune pies, and cookies. She used to have a shop in the Pueblo named Corn Pollen Blossom until the pandemic hit where she sold her baked goods and crafts. She was kind to everyone and developed lifelong friendships along the way. She had the brightest smile, endless knowledge to share, and always emphasized to use your common sense. They will be truly missed by family and friends. Thank you for all the kind words, food, money, and cards from family, and friends. Thank you to the staff at the Taos Pueblo Governor’s Office, Taos-Picuris IHS, Taos Pueblo Community Health Services, Mountain Home Health Care, Taos Holy Cross, St. Christus Hospital, Bosque Foot and Ankle, Lovelace Health Systems, Taos Pueblo Senior Center, and others not mentioned. Due to the pandemic, funeral services took place with immediately family. A celebration will take place when it is safe to gather once again. The family of Cesario and Josephine entrusted the care of their loved ones to Rivera Funeral Home of Taos. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com