Obituary of Francisca Orozco Oropesa

Francisca “Panchita” Orozco Oropesa, 90, of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024, in her home, surrounded by her family. Francisca was born May 3, 1933 in Saric, Sonora, Mexico.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:1-3 Jehová es mi pastor; nada me faltará. En lugares de delicados pastos me hará descansar; Junto a aguas de reposo me pastoreará. Salmo 23: 1-3

Francisca was married to Sergio Duarte Oropesa on July 1, 1956, and celebrated 67 years of marriage. They were married at the Church of God (Iglesia de Dios, in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico). Francisca is survived by her husband, Sergio (89), their four children, Luz-Elena Oropesa Shearer (66), Sergio Agustine Oropesa (65), Moses Oropesa (61), and Cynthia Oropesa Anhalt (58), nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Francisca was the youngest of 14 children born to Manuela Martinez and Manuel Orozco of Sasabe, Sonora, Mexico. All her siblings preceded her in death, Maria, Alfredo, Eva, Refugio, Abelardo, Arnulfo, Juan, Manuel (“Nelito’), Cecilia, Jesús (“Tuchi”), Socorro, Guillermina, and Pascual.

“Panchita” was a faithful wife, and a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a nurturing aunt to 53 nieces and nephews. Having been trained as a seamstress, she shared her creativity through sewing countless dresses and suits for friends and weddings. Her friendship was enduring to many friends, and she enjoyed reading the bible and attending church with family and friends.

As a mother, she was the strength and foundation of the family. Her love was bountiful for everyone, and she always made everything warmer and kinder. She gave her children wings to fly, love to carry with them, and knowledge to navigate the world. May she rest in heaven and know that her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond, will carry on her legacy.

Francisca’s Celebration of Life occurred on February 24, 2024, 3:00 p.m. at Grace to the Nations Church, 6180 E. Pima Street, Tucson, AZ 85712 with Reverend Obed Orozco, a nephew of “Tia Panchita.” The service consisted of prayers, Francisca’s favorite songs led by Ogla Orozco González, “La Mañana Gloriosa” and “Más Allá del Sol” and eulogies from Eldaa Orozco Galindo (niece), Aaron & Thelma Orozco (nephew & niece-in-law), Manolita Orozco (sister-in-law), Samuel Orozco (nephew), Moses Oropesa (son), Armida Oropesa Hernández (sister-in-law), Valerie Shearer (granddaughter), and Cynthia Oropesa Anhalt (daughter). Luz-Elena Oropesa Shearer (daughter) read Psalm 23.

A special slide presentation of Francisca’s life in pictures was created by Sergio Esteban Oropesa (grandson) and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwxkmEL2qPo

A soul full of light says farewell to this world. Her vitality, strength, faith, and generosity of spirit forged the foundation of our family. Her gentle eyes, bright smile with two dimples brought us comfort, joy, and song. Her love and kindness still embrace us with tenderness and courage, today and forever more. Un alma llena de luz se despide de este mundo. Su vitalidad, fortaleza, fé, y su espíritu generoso forjaron la base de nuestra familia. Sus ojos tiernos, sonrisa amplia y con hoyuelos, fueron fuentes de sosiego, alegría y canción. Su amor y bondad aún nos abrazan con ternura y valentía, ahora y para siempre.

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