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Helen Francis "Dolly" Echeverria

Helen Echeverria Obituary

Echeverria, Helen "Dolly" Francis
71, of Maricopa, Arizona passed away on July 1, 2010. Dolly was born in Evansville, Illinois, and moved to Wickenburg, AZ with her family in 1948. She met and married the love of her life Rudy Echeverria. Dolly was an avid volunteer, her endeavors include Scout Leader, Wrestling Coach, AAU Pairing Master, she was also a Published Poet, Antique Dealer, Lobbyist, and Rancher-Farmer among many other ventures. Dolly is survived by her adoring husband Rudy of 53 years, sister Lynnie Serrano (Tony); children, Vicencia Echeverria-Quigley, Gigi (Bill) Gray, Jennifer Echeverria, Ramsey (Monique) Echeverria, 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Thursday, July 8 at St. Andrew The Apostle Catholic Faith Community, 3450 W. Ray Road, Chandler, AZ 85226. Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Mass immediately following. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Dolly Echeverria Memorial Account at Wells Fargo Advisors.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jul. 4, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Echeverria

27 Entries

Carol Gray

June 28, 2025

Oh I remember Dolly so well. She was a ray of sunshine every time she came in with her kids to get an adjustment on their braces. I worked for John Cavanaugh and we had the privilege and pleasure of treating all of the Echeverria kids in our Casa Grande office.

Susan Isabella Sheehan

April 15, 2023

I am so sad to learn that Dolly passed, and so long ago. My father, Lawrence, was a friend of and worked for Dolly for years in Casa Grande. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire family.

Carol A Gray

June 28, 2021

Dolly was such a good friend to our Orthodontic practice and pure joy to be around. I'll never forget her.

Steve Pass

June 28, 2021

I never knew her as "Helen" she was Dolly to me and just about everyone else. The first time I met Dolly I was dating my wife Debbie Kortsen. We went to Dollies house to pick something up. I was sitting in the kitchen when I thought I heard a baby lamb cry out, I dismissed it, but then I heard it again, I was hesitant to ask I really didn´t know how to ask. Finally I asked, is that a lamb I hear and where is it, Dolly took me to the pantry, opened the door, there were not only one but three baby lambs in there. Only at Dollies. I was a policeman in the 70´s, Dolly would call me periodically to let me know about certain things that she felt needed to be addressed. I also was on the City Council, Dolly was one of my strongest supporters and when I heard from her it was an important issue that she knew u would take it and make it happen.
I Truly Loved Dolly she was a true friend, I miss her Wit and Honesty. God is Blessing her.

Catherine Wiley

July 26, 2010

Dolly was the best example of how to grow old 'disgracefully'. She loved life and lived life to the full and we were thrilled that she considered Ireland her second home. It is hard to believe that she is not with us in body but her spirit lives with us here in Ireland. Such a small lady but such a big passionate human being. Much love to all the family and especially Rudy, Cencie, Ian and Rogan. Cath & Gary, Cork. (we're not really from Arizona!)

Liz Scherer

July 12, 2010

Dear Gigi and Bill,
So sorry to hear about your mom, Gigi. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Liz Scherer

Mary Middlebrook Smith

July 11, 2010

I was privleged to know Dolly when I was growing up and lived across the street from her on Mcmurray Blvd in Casa Grande..She was a fine woman and will be truly missed by those who loved her...My condolences to Mimi, Gigi, Ramsey and Jenny.

Darrell & Carol Wilson

July 9, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to your family at this time. We were glad to have known Dolly.

Tina Abnoosi

July 8, 2010

I have known Dolly for only 12 years, I have maybe met her a few times in those years, yet she has had such impact on my life. I will miss her dearly, and know that I will never forget her great love and compassion toward life.

July 7, 2010

I absolutely loved this woman. She served as a surrogate mother to me in my teen years.

Jeannie (Vandenberg) Miller

July 7, 2010

Rudy, Lynn and families, Ted and I, of course, were shocked and saddened to read of your loss of Dolly . We extend to you our sincere sympathy, and want you to know we are happy to have known her. Ted & Ruth De Vries, Prescott, AZ

Steve Pass

July 7, 2010

I first met Dolly while a Police Officer,to say Dolly was bigger than life is an understatement.I ran for Political Office,Dolly was the first person I went to see,she had insight on right wrong and what I needed to doto be a good Councilman. If I screwed up,it didn't take long for a phone call or a visit from Dolly. Dolly always spoke her mind,but she also was a very caring person and one of my strogest supporters, I cherished every contact I had with her,she was a FRIEND.I will miss her. I Love You.

Tom Monday

July 7, 2010

I am saddened by the news of Dolly's death. Our world is minus a great lover of God, her family and her country. Dolly was never one to hold back her strong and well-documented opinions. She lived life to its fullest. It was an extreme honor to have her as a friend while I resided in AZ. Our prayers go out to Rudy and the rest of her family. May she rest in peace.

Lewis Jones

July 6, 2010

This world has lost a true Renaissance
Woman. Her imprint in our lifes will
never be forgotten. God Bless you all.

Nancy Adams

July 6, 2010

Dolly truly was an amazing lady. It comforts my mother, sister and i to know that she has returned to her Heavenly Father. We were blessed to know and love Dolly as my Dad leased her land through his job at the AZ State Land Department. We extend all our love and prayers to the family at this time. We are certain Dad and Dolly are waiting in Heaven for us and we are so glad one day all our families will be reunited with these 2 dear souls.

July 6, 2010

Dear Rudy, Mimi, Gigi, Jennifer, and Ramsey,
There are no words to express our sorrow at the sad news, but we know heaven must be a much livelier place for sure. Dolly was truly one of a kind and very special in our hearts.

Please know you are all in our prayers.

Love and Prayers,
Ken and Mary Ann Molnar

Sandy Eastlake

July 6, 2010

Dolly Echeverria was a good friend to me and one of the most influential women in the political arena that I knew. I had the privilage of working with Dolly on many Public Land issues over the course of my career with the Arizona Cattle Growers' Association and strongly believe she made a difference. My condolences to her family and many close friends... I know she will be missed.

July 6, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sue Massie Maricopa, AZ

Jay Wilson

July 5, 2010

The world will be a different place without Dolly's spirited way of dealing with life and issues. I worked with and had a lot of woderful times and memories with Dolly. My heart and thoughts are with her family and friends. RIP

Dan Gray

July 5, 2010

My family would like to express our deepest sympathy to Rudy and his children's families. Dolly was an inspiration and a mentor. May the peace that passes all understanding touch each of your hearts.
The Dan Gray Family

Diana Jackson

July 5, 2010

My husband and I were so blessed to have known such a wonderful woman in Dolly. She opened up her family to us knowing that we didn't have any family out here. We are so fortunate to have known her and will always have her in our thoughts and memories. Our condolesences go out to the Echeverria family, particularly her grandchildren Nicole and Pilar, who are our close friends. We love you all!

John Cavanaugh

July 4, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Carol Gray

July 4, 2010

I was privileged to know the wonderful Dolly and her entire family when they lived in Casa Grande where I worked for Dr. John Cavanaugh, who was the family's Orthodontist. I have many fond memories of her. My condolences to her family; I remember them so well. What a lady she was! Carol Gray, Phoenix, Arizona

Celia Beam-Umsteadt

July 4, 2010

My heart is broken for the Echeverria family. My prayers are with you. I know you have so many good memories of Dolly, and those will help you heal. She is gone from this earth to a heavenly place, where she waits to see you again. God Bless you.

July 4, 2010

My heart is broken for the Echeverria family. Just know that my prayers are with you, at this most difficult time. I know that you have so many good memories of Dolly and that is what will help you heal. She is gone from this earth to a heavenly place where she is waiting to see you again. God Bless you.

Celia Beam-Umsteadt, ( Bill's Mom)

Traci Winstead

July 4, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Winstead's
Chris, Traci, Colton, Chase and Cali

Drew Wehrstein

July 4, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the many memories you have help to comfort you as my memories have helped to comfort me. I Love You Dolly, May You Rest In Peace!

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