Josephine Marie (Yribarren) Laurenz, 98, died Friday, May 21.

She had been a resident of Oakdale for 70 years.

Mrs. Laurenz worked for Hunts Foods for 25 years until she retired. After retiring she became a volunteer at the Oakdale Community Sharing, which gave her a chance to interact with people.

She loved children, babysitting was a great joy to her. Every Christmas she would wait to hear from her kids, to see what was going on in their lives. She also loved to read, do word puzzles, play bingo and go gambling. She was a hard worker, loved people, always taking care of her family who leaned on her for support. She will be missed. The family thanks the nursing staff at HyLond Healthcare for the care and love that they showed to her.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Shirley) Laurenz of Modesto; daughter, Betty (Tim) Anderson of Manteca; sisters, Frances Higbee of Modesto, Lilly Saldubehere of Roseville, Mary Lenzini of San Francisco; grandchildren, Robert (Carrie) Shipman and Garieanne (Mario) Areias, both of Oakdale, Lynnette (Jack) Laurenz Longo of Pennsylvania, Sylvia Laurenz of Texas; and four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Louise Yribarren of Salida; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rufino Laurenz; sister, Teresa Lenzini; brothers, Martin and Frank Yribarren; and parents, Jose and Conception Yribarren.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 27, also at the chapel. Burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Scenic Drive, Modesto.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to your favorite charity, or to HyLond Healthcare, c/o Aurelia Orneles Recreation Director, 1900 Coffee Road, Modesto, CA 95350.

Oakdale Memorial Chapel in charge of arrangements.