Jose C. Saucedo

"A Joyful Heart"

Jose C. Saucedo, 77, of Los Angeles, California, passed peacefully on All Souls Day, November 2, 2021.

Jose was born in Rio Grande, Mexico, but lived the last 41 years in California. He was a very happy and cheerful person. He had a great devotion to Our Blessed Mother and the Infant Jesus of Prague. He carried a 24" statue of the Infant Jesus with him everywhere he went. The statue was often seen buckled in the front seat of his van. The sight of this statue tucked safely in the seat surprised a police officer who had pulled Jose over in a construction zone one day. Not only was Jose driving over the speed limit, but his car registration was also expired, and he had an out-of-state license. These violations would have caused a very expensive ticket. When asked who was with him in the van, Jose said, "Baby Jesus". The dumbfounded police officer said, "get out of here." Jose felt that Baby Jesus had touched the police officer's heart to let him pass without a ticket.

Baby Jesus was so special to Jose that he recently had clothing made for his statue. When travel became too difficult with his beloved statue, he purchased a much smaller statue of Our Lady of Mt Carmel holding baby Jesus. When asked about it, he said it was so he could fit it in his pocket to be always with him.

Jose was devoted to the Holy Rosary and was never without a rosary around his neck.

Jose enjoyed travelling and never met a stranger. He made friends in many states and countries. He went on pilgrimages to holy places and travelled to Europe a few times. He was a mechanic, a welder, a handy man. He never turned down the opportunity to help someone. He was generous with his talents and spent his time helping and working for the priests of the Society of St. Pius X.

Jose also lived in Colorado for some time and helped build St. Isidore Catholic Church in Watkins, Colorado. When he wasn't on his Bobcat, he delighted in carrying a tray of Starburst candies around the church and giving treats to all the kids. The happy looks on their faces brought him great joy. When he couldn't deliver the candy himself, he would put a bowl of Starburst candies at the feet of his Infant Jesus statue and all the children knew where they came from.

Jose's greatest love was the Holy Mass, and his greatest accomplishment was learning to serve the Traditional Latin Mass. He was so proud of this great privilege that he bought his own surplice and cassock so he would be ready at any time to help the priests when needed.

Jose was a loving father and family man. He is survived by his seven children: Richard Saucedo of Washington; Leticia McCrummen of Oregon; Mario Saucedo of Oregon; David Saucedo of Washington; Roberto Saucedo of Nevada; Maria del Rosario Cichos of Colorado; and Veronica Roth of California. He is also survived by 25 cherished grandchildren; and his brothers, Luis and Valtasar and sisters, Carmen Saucedo and Lupe Medacino. He is preceded in death by his parents, Matias and Cevera Saucedo and his sister, Loisa Saucedo.

Jose's humble demeanor, beaming smile and joyful heart will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Isidore Catholic Church to help with funeral expenses.

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