Francisca Barreto

Francisca was born in Moca, Puerto Rico, the thirteenth child of Cipriana Hernandez and Lorenzo Barreto. She was the second youngest of 14 siblings and the youngest daughter. She was deeply loved by her siblings and parents, and by the age of seven, she was cooking for her family and also for all the workers on the sugarcane farm that her parents owned.

Her parents were known for their generosity. This hospitality extended from their agriculture and was indicative of their humanity in helping out those in need. In this way, they lived their faith and put prayers into practice when they extended credit to neighbors, made extra food and special trips to visit relatives in remote areas. Francisca was raised with this spirit of magnanimity and shared her culinary gifts.

“Pancha” soon became the favorite cook due to her exceptional flavor and creativity. She deeply enjoyed cooking, which soon became her love language. She married at the age of nineteen and by the age of twenty-two, migrated to New York City. It was a significant sacrifice to be so far from her large family and beautiful island, but she soon fell in love with New York, and “Nuevayol” fell in love with her. She made lifelong friends and eventually had some family move over to the mainland as well.

In 2004, Francisca moved once again from New York to Arizona to follow her daughters and forged even more lasting relationships. She left her mark on the island of Puerto Rico, the urban jungle of NYC, and the desert metropolis of Phoenix.

Francisca was universally loved and instantly adopted anyone she met. She was gregarious, giving, and always had a ready smile. She fed people from all walks of life, and no one ever went hungry in her presence. Pancha did not just feed people food, she nourished their souls with stories and a mother’s love.

“Mama”, as she came to be called to all who knew her, was the matriarch of our loving family and a pillar of strength. She had a deep faith that helped her through the loss of five of her seven children. It was a peace not easily forged, but she eventually found solace in the living and nurtured three generations including several of her great-grandchildren. She understood loss intimately and was ever so resilient. She lived by example and was a keen observer. Mama was slow to anger and quick to love. She felt deeply when people hurt others and prayed for their awareness and ability to change. Hers was an indomitable spirit.

She was a true creative, a talented seamstress who skillfully knitted and crocheted exquisite pieces of work. Her needlework skills were noteworthy on and off the island even within Moca, a municipality renowned for its intricate “mundillo” lace. Puerto Rico held a profound place in her heart, and it remained her cherished home. She frequently visited and particularly enjoyed the Christmas season, La Navidad, which she considered her favorite time of year due to the vibrant parrandas and tradition of gathering. Her family on the island held a sacred and special place in her life.

Francisca is predeceased by her five children: Carmen Nelida, Domingo, Martín, José, and Leonel. In addition, her husband, Jesus Barreto, passed away in 2019.

She is survived by her beloved brothers, Ramón Antonio and Benjamin, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her surviving daughters, Nelida Barreto and Eneida Tesoro, will continue her legacy by ensuring that no one ever goes hungry in their care and by preserving her memory.

Mama had seven grandchildren: Shawn, Matthew, Melissa, Michael, Nicholas, Christopher and William. She also had eleven great-grandchildren: Mia, Matthew Jr., Bernadette, Easton, Christian, Aidan, Liam, Flora, Gianna, Hudson, and Theodore. She will forever be cherished in our hearts for her embodiment of love and her legacy of happiness and laughter.

Francisca will be laid to rest beside her husband, and will forever remain our beloved Mama, Queen of Puerto Rico.

In lieu of flowers: Donations to assist with her services can be sent to Eneida Tesoro at (480–748–9727) via Zelle or Venmo in the United States or Nelida Barreto at (480-278-2961).