Frances "Helen" Quintana

1930 - 2020

"Helen" Frances Quintana

May 11, 1930 - December 20, 2020

Our Beloved Mother, "Helen" Frances Quintana passed from this earth in the early dawn as the sun was rising, into God's heavenly kingdom on December 20, 2020.

Helen was born May 11, 1930, in Trujillo, CO, a farming community 16 miles from Pagosa Springs, to Luis F. Archuleta and Sophia G. Archuleta. She grew up with brothers, Delurdes, Louie, Eustacio, and Roy and wonderful sister, Sophie.

Mom grew up in a home built by her father and brothers where she spent many beautiful days free to enjoy the mountains, meadows and streams in Pagosa. Mom went to school in Ignacio at the Indian school for two years before the family moved to a farm her father bought on 24 Road in Grand Junction. She attended Appleton Elementary, walking two miles, rain or snow. In the winter they would get in the iced canal and slide or skate to school or ride the horse in the summer. Mom worked at Mesa Memorial Hospital and St. Mary's for over 20 years as a nurse aid where she made lifelong friends. She also cared for her own parents, mother-in-law and husband.

While at a dance she asked her brother, Del, to introduce her to Frank P. Quintana, mom says she did the rest! They were married at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with a traditional "Marcha" of music, family and friends walking in a procession behind them. After having seven children, she told Dad they needed to buy a house in the country to raise the kids, they bought a farm on 24 1/2 Road next to a dairy, giving her kids the rich experience of country living and large Sunday dinners.

Written in our mothers hands are the stories of her life and the beautiful life she made for her children and grandchildren. A kind and caring mother through happiness or strife. She grew up with the values of hard work, faith in God, love of family, charity and service to others. Mom was a cake maker for over 30 years, making birthday, elaborate wedding and quinceanera cakes. She was an amazing, strong and energetic person. She traveled to Germany, Switzerland Spain, Hawaii and the Carribean. Mom enjoyed many hours with her companion, Florencio Ferrales, watching the birds and the beautiful garden he grew every year.

She is survived by her siblings, Roy Archuleta (Bridget) and Sophie Rodriguez (John); all her children, Frank (Ethel) Quintana, Sharon (Doug) Jones, Gloria Quintana, Nancy (Randy) Quintana-Stewart, Patsy (Scott) Moody, Daniel Quintana, and Berlinda (Steve) Morreale; grandkids, Matt, Elisha, Ryan, Bernadette Walters, Chris Abeyta, Crystalina, Justin King, Brian, Michael Knapp, Tahani Green, Shoni, Maya, Noah, Levi, Alaina, Marquita, Wuaquin, Cody, Tava, Helen, Emma, and Luke; 24 great-grandkids; seven great-great-grandkids, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Del, Stokie, and Louie; husband, Frank, and grandsons, Gene Abeyta and Michael Brooks.

A limited rotating viewing was held December 30. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph's Church on Thursday, December 31, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services to follow in Orchard Mesa Cemetery.