A Life of Love, Faith, and Family: The Story of Josefina C. Vasquez
Born on October 28, 1944 in Lubbock, Texas, Josefina Cadengo Vasquez lived a life
rooted in love, family, and faith. On September 7, 2024, surrounded by the love of her
husband, children and family, she peacefully returned to her eternal home leaving behind
her legacy of kindness and grace.
Fina was a beloved daughter of Carmen Cadengo Sr. and Francisca Zapata Cadengo. The
early years instilled in her a deep sense of hard work and perseverance. In 1954, at the
age of ten, her family moved to Sunnyside, Washington to provide for the family working
on the farms. Unknown at the time, it was destiny, she would soon meet her faithful loving
husband that led to a long lasting life and marriage.
The Cadengos were close friends with the Vasquez family leading to Fina and Zack
working together. He worked hard to win over Fina’s uninterested heart by planting her
rows of mint, claiming she was too slow. His chivalry wasn’t enough; he had to trick her to
attend their first date because she refused his frequent invitations. He was adamant and
his persistence would pay off. Her heart was surely won. She would marry the love of her
life, Zacarias Vasquez, in 1962, “lovebirds ‘til the end.”
In 1966, they made their first home in Othello, Washington. In the sixty-one years together,
they would build a home rooted in faith and love.
In 1973 they moved to the countryside where they raised their 6 children. This home was
filled with lots of love and many memories which became the roots to her family.
Family was everything to Fina. Each Sunday she would gather her family to attend Mass
together. She and her family would fill an entire pew! Their presence, was a testament to
her unwavering faith. She volunteered her time to the church, guiding her children and
grandchildren through the sacraments, ensuring faith remained central in their lives. Faith
came first; however, education was also important. She nurtured her children and
showered them with love while supporting every dream. But the one thing they could not
question was achieving their education. All of her children honored her proudly by fulfilling
her one request.
In 1996, at the age of 53, Fina proudly retired to care for her grandchildren but most
importantly to dedicate her time to her family.
For her 25th wedding anniversary Fina and Zack celebrated together in Las Vegas which
sparked an interest in gambling and casinos. It became their tradition for the years to

come. She enjoyed going to Legends casino because it gave her the opportunity to stop in
Grandview to visit her extended family.
In 2015, she moved to the Tri-Cities to be closer to her children. She was the happiest
when they were all together. She was the center of every milestone, birthday and holiday.
One gift she would always bring was her love.
One of her greatest joys was passing down family traditions. She loved to crochet. As she
was taught by her grandmother, Fina taught all her girls. She would make a blanket for
every new addition to her family.
Her talents went far beyond her role as a mother and wife. Her love of cooking was a gift
she shared. It was her way of saying, “I love you”. During the holidays, she and her family
made tamales together, and it wasn’t long before her tamales became well-known. Her
husband willingly became her “tamale partner”, taking orders and delivering to family,
friends and neighbors.
She was also a proud Seahawks fan, despite a divided household between the Cowboys
and the Seahawks. The Seahawks “Blue Fridays” became a fun family tradition.
She also loved her music. One of her favorite artists was Elvis Presley. She loved to dance.
Although her husband didn’t initially share her love for the dance floor, they never missed
an opportunity to twirl to the music at weddings and quinceañeras. These dances would
remind Fina about her mother who would take her to dances and made sure to sit right
next to her as she would wait for a dance partner brave enough to ask.
Fina is preceded in death by her parents Carmen Cadengo Sr. and Francisca Cadengo,
her sister Maria Gonzalez and her brothers Antonio Cadengo Sr. and Carmen Cadengo Jr.
She is survived by her husband Zack and their six children: Beatrice (Vincent) Vasquez of
North Bend, WA, Rebecca (Kevin) Stevens of Richland, WA, Angie (Kevin) Dorow of
Kennewick, WA, Dianna (Isaias) Segura of Pasco, WA, John (Joan Acay) Vasquez of
Kennewick, WA and Roger Vasquez of Seattle, WA, twelve grandchildren, and four
great-grandchildren; all of whom carry forward her spirit and traditions.
While her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will dance in the hearts of her
husband, children, grandchildren and all who had the privilege to know her. May her
memory live on in the love she gave so freely.

Amongst her personal belongings, there was a letter addressed to her children. The
following is an excerpt:
Thank you for everything and for all your love. I couldn’t have asked for a better family.
You are my pride and joy
I’m very proud of all of you
You made me very happy
God bless you and take care of you
Love you
Take care of each other and stay in touch with each other always.
Mom
P.S. all of you were always first in my heart and in my life.
Rest in eternal peace Josefina, forever dancing in heaven’s light.