She was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, the daughter of the late Alejandro Quinones and Lucrecia Barreto Quinones. Francisca was the beloved wife of 64 years to the late Ramon Rosario Mena; loving mother of Gloria Martinez, Luz (Pedro) Leyritana and Jose L. Perez; cherished grandmother of Natalie (Jeffrey) Freels, Ricardo Martinez (Cathylia Santana), Leila Leyritana, Jose L. Perez Jr. (deceased) and Gayle Lebus and great-grandmother of Adeline, Gabriel, Elena, Isabella, Elianna, Karina, Syncere and Jai; dear sister of America, Luz, Maximino and the late Maya, Alfredo, Yuyo, Israel, Minelva and Leduvina; adored aunt of many.
Francisca was raised in Puerto Rico and moved to New York City, where she began her work as a seamstress before moving to Cleveland in 1975. She later dedicated 24 years of service to MetroHealth, working as a machine operator in the laundry department.
She was the heart and matriarch of her family—firm, strong, and independent. Francisca instilled values in her children, teaching them the importance of keeping a good home, but more than that, she taught them how to live with love, strength, and respect.
Her faith was central to her life. She loved her Sundays, starting with church and ending around the table with family dinners filled with laughter, stories, and her wonderful cooking. She found peace and joy in tending to her flowers and her garden, always creating beauty around her.
Francisca’s greatest gift was the love she poured into her family. She was a guiding light, a teacher, and a source of strength who left her children and grandchildren with lessons and memories that will last forever.
The family will receive friends on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 11AM-1PM with a funeral service at 1PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 14768 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Cleveland.
