Esther Pacheco Arciniega

Esther was a loving wife, mother and nana. She loved her family and was very proud of them. She was a very hard worker, and up until a few years ago had the energy of a 20-year old. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith and the love of family. She was deeply loved by her family and will always be remembered as a kind and gentle mom/nana who always had a smile and a hug for you.

Esther was born on March 16, 1929 to Juan Reyes and Senovia Moreno Pacheco. Throughout her career she held several jobs, beginning with packing oranges at Arlington Heights Packing House and finally retiring from Rohr Industries in 1994 after 28 years of dedicated and loyal service.

Esther met her husband Arthur Herrera Arciniega while attending a dance at the Municipal Auditorium in San Bernardino, CA. While the music of Tommy Dorsey and his band played in the background she noticed the handsome young man in uniform; they caught each other’s eye and their love story began. They raised 6 children in Riverside. They welcomed Arthur who was born in 1947, followed by daughters Lorraine, Diane, Gloria, and Vickie, with Robert being the youngest born in 1957.

Esther and Arthur enjoyed taking their VW camper bus on the road, traveling along Highway 1 to Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach and Northern California. If they weren’t on the road camping you would find them in Las Vegas. Their Mexican Riviera cruise and 25th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii were cherished memorable moments. In 2006 Esther traveled to Italy, Spain and Switzerland with her son Art and daughter-in-law Joan, daughter Vickie and granddaughter Krista. Visiting the Vatican and staying in a castle in Switzerland was an experience she never forgot.

Esther was an excellent cook. Her kitchen was always open to anyone who stopped by, and there was always a fresh pot of coffee. She loved working in her yard, and during her last few months would always let her nurses and aides know how she roto-tilled her backyard and planted this rose bush, plant or tree. Her yard was her pride and joy, which was evidenced by the manicured lawn, perfectly trimmed hedges and colorful rose bushes.

Family gatherings and moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always treasured. The annual family traditions, such as the infamous Easter egg hunt for the golden egg, the formal Thanksgiving dinner with her homemade pumpkin pies, and the Christmas Eve open house with tamales, chile verde, menudo and dozens of homemade cookies will continue to be carried on for generations to come.

Esther is predeceased by her parents, her husband of nearly 50 years, Arthur Herrera Arciniega, sons Arthur and Robert, and daughter Vickie Arciniega. She is survived by her daughters Lorraine Rosales, Diane Martinez and Gloria (Wayne) Elder of Riverside, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sisters Monica Stanley, Ruth Macias, Jessica Alvarez, and brother John Pacheco.

Esther was a woman of faith and believed that death is not the end and she would be together with her loved ones again. Her devotion was to God and family.

“ …..Remember me when your thoughts do turn to me, know that I would not have you cry, but live for me, and laugh for me. When you are happy so am I. Remember an old joke we shared. Remember me when spring walks by. Think once of me when you are glad and while you live I shall not die!”

There will be a reception following internment at The Grove Community Church, 19900 Grove Community Dr., Riverside, CA 92506.

A funeral service for Esther will be held Monday, April 8, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 3680 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92506. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Olivewood Memorial Park, 3300 Central Ave, Riverside, CA 92506.