Frances Josephine Padilla

Frances (Josephine) Padilla

Frances (Josephine) Padilla of Brighton, Colorado, passed away with her family by her side on August 12, 2025.

Josephine was born on June 2, 1949, in New Mexico, to Eligio and Dora (Dorotea) Pacheco. She moved to the Brighton area in 1950 with her family and is the oldest of four children. She grew up in Brighton, Colorado where she graduated from Brighton High School with the class of 1967.

In December 1968, Josephine gave birth to her only child-a daughter. She embraced motherhood with the same dedication she brought to every aspect of her life. During those formative years, she was deeply involved in her daughter's activities: volunteering with the PTA, leading a Bluebird troop, and participating in 4-H events. Josephine was also an active member of St. Augustine's Catholic Parish, where she served as a catechism teacher for several years.

Josephine spent her entire life in the Brighton area, building a career rooted in dedication and service. She worked as an accountant for several companies throughout the Denver Metro area. In addition, she was self-employed as a bilingual tax professional, offering guidance and support to countless individuals and families over the years.

After retiring, Josephine continued to give back to her community. She devoted much of her time to volunteering at the Food Bank of St. Augustine Catholic Church, where her compassion and commitment made a lasting impact on those she served.

In her free time, she found great joy in tending her garden, where she nurtured both flowers and vegetables with patience and care. She loved canning the fruits of her labor, filling her shelves with homemade goods to share with family and friends. A talented seamstress and quilter, she poured love and creativity into countless projects, leaving behind cherished keepsakes. She also enjoyed reading, deepening her knowledge and faith, and she drew strength and comfort from her religion.

Above all, Josephine cherished time with her family. Whether gathered for a holiday meal, sharing stories around the table, or simply enjoying each other's company, those moments filled her heart. Her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by the people she loved-and in turn, she made those around her feel deeply loved and valued.

Josephine is survived by daughter Laurie (Sam) Sweetser; grandchildren Maegan Sweetser, Danielle (Jordan) Clark, and Samuel Sweetser II; great grandchildren Ilyana and Barney Laurent; and brothers Eligio Pacheco II and Ben Pacheco.

She is proceeded in death by parents Eligio and Dora (Dorotea) Pacheco, and brother Ruben Pacheco.

While our Mother and Grandmother is no longer with us, her spirit-defined by love, generosity, and compassion-will continue to live on in our hearts forever!

May she rest in heavenly peace.