Maria Elena Quiñonez

Maria Elena Quiñonez, age 82, of Denver, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2018. Maria was born March 28, 1936 in El Paso, Texas. Maria Elena - the meaning of her middle name says it all - ”the vigor of the sun.” Anyone who knew Maria quickly realized the fire she carried in her soul. She was raised in a small town in Texas where, at a very young age, she was given the responsibility of raising her younger siblings. She recalls these days, sharing how social she was and wishing to be in school. Yet, she honored her parents and did as she was asked. She would do this until she left home and married Julio at the age of 15. Together, they raised 7 children. She worked as a homemaker, mother and wife, later, entering the workforce where she worked for Gates Rubber Co. Her life was characterized by hard work and determination. Maria wanted to make a good life for her and her family and she sacrificed in order to make it happen. She was not afraid of a challenge, but, rather, chose to be inspired by it to reach her goal or destination. She loved people and exhibited it through acts of service – cooking, cleaning, gift-giving. Maria was a doer. Her family will forever cherish the memories of being together at her home, the smell of homemade food, the sound of happy chatter with a toss of Spanglish thrown in by her, and the warmth of her hug. She was a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Despite life’s challenges, she persevered until the very end. A verse that she cherished was John 10:27-29 where we read, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all; No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” She lived, assured that one day she would spend eternity with the Lord. The fire she carried will live forever in the hearts of those who loved her. We will forever love you and honor your memory. Until we meet again…

Maria is survived by her loving family, children, Robert (Deborah) Quinonez, Josie (Johnny) Quintana, David (Yvonne) Quinonez, Ruth (Al) Rodriguez, Jerry (Donna) Quinonez, Steven (Cynthia) Quinonez, and Victor (Ana) Quinonez; sisters, Esperanza Soto, Frances Bustoz, Martha Luna, and Susan Sierra; one brother, Ruben Solis; as well as 18 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ascencion and Esperanza Solis, grandson, Steven Quinonez, Jr., and a great grandson, Andres Sena.

A visitation for Maria will be held Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. A funeral service in the Olinger Crown Hill Pavilion of Reflection, will occur Friday, December 14, 2018, at 11:00 AM.

Serving as pallbearers are Robert Quinonez, Jerry Quinonez, Steven Quinonez, Victor Quinonez, Lawrence Quintana, Jerimiah Quinonez, Jason Quinonez and Joseph Quintana.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Maria's memory may be made to Denver Rescue Mission, 1130 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CrownHillFuneral.com for the Quinonez family.