Francisca Ancheta Anonuevo died peacefully in the morning hours of Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the age of 78. After a long battle with cancer, she passed away surrounded by her loving husband, all of her children and other close family members in Greenbrae, California.
Francisca was often a woman of few words, yet when she spoke, people were moved to listen. With her quiet demeanor, she communicated eloquently through her actions by setting examples for others to emulate. She was not at home in large crowds, but preferred the intimate company of family and close friends. Francisca, known to her grandchildren and many others affectionately as “Lola,” will be remembered by all who knew her for her appreciation of simple living, unwavering faith in God and above all, absolute devotion to her family.
Born in 1934 to Francisco and Agustina Ancheta, Francisca spent the early part of her life in the Philippines. In 1961, she married her soul mate and lifelong companion, Macario Anonuevo, and they raised five children together. There was nothing Francisca cherished more than family. When her third child was born, Francisca decided to leave her job as an educator to devote her time fully to raising her children and caring for her family. The family immigrated to California in 1976 where she found a job at Stanford University and retired 16 years later. Their children each married and began raising children of their own.
Francisca and Macario retired in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they helped build the St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church and became active members of the community. They also made visiting their grandchildren a high priority and traveled frequently to California, Colorado and even the Philippines to become their greatest fans. In 2011, Francisca and Macario renewed their wedding vows in front of their family and friends in celebration of 50 beautiful years of marriage.
Francisca leaves behind her devoted husband of 52 years, Macario Anonuevo; her sister, Josefina Gonzales; and her five children, Corazon Kemp, Joselito Anonuevo, Cynthia Corley, Cecilia Nunez and Cristina Weir. She was the caring grandmother to 11 grandchildren. She will be missed dearly but remembered well by her entire family. They will continue her legacy by following her example in confronting life’s challenges with faith and perseverance, balancing the trials and joys that come with being a part of a family, and living a life filled with love.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate the life of Francisca Anonuevo at 11am on Monday, February 4th at Lima Family Mortuary, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, California. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice by the Bay (hospicebythebay.org) or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org).
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