Josefina Cambal Lim

Josefina Cambal Lim passed away on the early morning of January 11, 2024 after a steep decline in her health. She was 92 years old. Her death comes at a complete and profound loss to her family and the people who were lucky to have met her.

Josefina was born on January 2, 1932 in Irosin, Sorsogon, Philippines. She was the daughter of Jose and Damiana Cambal, and was the eldest of eight children, Baltazar, Nenita, Purita, Jose Jr., Mario, Asuncion, and Resurreccion.

Josefina met her future husband, German Lim, after graduating high school in Irosin. They were married and together had their five children in Manila. In the Philippines she managed rice fields and raised their children before immigrating to the United States in 1984. They resided in Portland, Oregon for four decades. While she worked as a restaurant cook and as part of a mailing distribution center for a short time, she helped build a solid home and foundation in the Pacific Northwest and remained the devout matriarch of her family.

When she wasn’t spending time with her family, she was sewing, attending mass, keeping her mind sharp with crosswords and puzzles, enjoying her Filipino television shows on TFC, and cooking her famous recipes like empanada and biko. There is no doubt she lived a full life.

Even in her last days, she cherished time with her family. Josefina is survived by her five children, Tyrone (Florinda) Lim, Melba Gadon, Teresa Lim, Jim Sr. (Maria Lynn) Lim, and Susan (Jerick) Alfonso; her 17 grandchildren, Florice, Frances, Fideliz, Leiziel, Janet, Kamille, Maurice, Marjorie, Patricia, Alexandra, Rafaela, Anastasia, Isabella, Jim Jr., Jego Miguel, Enzo, and Jeanna; and her 12 great grandchildren, Aden, Kadence, Christian, Lawrence, Faith, Hope, Elijah Warren, Mary Elliana, Luca, Penelope, Emilia, and Koda.

Josefina’s departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and is gravely felt by her family and everyone who knew her. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and welcomes anyone who would like to celebrate her life by attending the memorial service planned for Febuary 13, 2024 at St. Pius X Church at 1280 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR.