Frances "Pancha" Armijo

Frances “Pancha” Armijo, 78, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Friday, July 10. She was born to Pete & Dora Chavez on July 24, 1947. Preceding her in death are her loving parents, Pete & Dora Chavez, her brothers, Edward Chavez, Bobby Chavez & Andy Chavez and a very special sister, Terry Cervantes.

Frances was a most devoted wife, mother & grandmother. Her boys were her life and no matter how old they got, she was their fiercest defender and protector. She loved all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all her heart and she had a special place in her heart for each of them. In the past year she would watch her great-granchildren and they will undoubtedly look back at that time with her fondly. Frances spent many years running her own successful cleaning business until she joined her son in running and cooking for Rocky’s Bar & Grill and later El Milagro Restaurant. She was an amazing cook and taught each of her sons the incredible gift of her craft. Losing her leaves an unbelievable void in each of their lives but she leaves a legacy of motherhood not only to her boys but to many others she encountered throughout her life.

Frances is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Fidel Armijo, her four sons, Anthony Gomez-Armijo & husband Paul, Lorenzo Armijo and his children & grandchildren, Jacqueline, Lorenzo Jr. & Aubree, Thomas Armijo & wife Grace and his children & grandchildren, Brianna, Sacha, Ailani, Jeremiah, Ameena, Roman & Stella and her baby boy, Jason Armijo.

She is also survived by her loving siblings, Rosina Turner, Henry Chavez, Gilbert Chavez, Rose Pacheco, Debra Ortiz & husband Ruben, Mary Jo Sanchez, John Paul Chavez, Debbie Martinez & husband Richard, Patricia Trujillo & husband Steve.

Frances is survived by many Godchildren, nephews, nieces & cousins and special loved ones who knew her as grandma, Monica, JP, Daniel, Charity & Celina.

A rosary will be held @ 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 23 at Rivera Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place @ 10:00 am on Friday, July 24 at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church and burial will follow at Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held immediately following burial at the Santa Maria de la Paz Reception Hall.

Serving as pallbearers are Henry Chavez, John Paul Chavez, Lorenzo Armijo, Jr., Paul Gomez Armijo, Peter Chavez & JP Ybaben. Honorary Pallbearers are Gilbert Chavez, Jeremiah Armijo & Daniel Carrillo.

Special gratitude goes out to Thomas & Grace for the devoted care they provided for mom. Thank you for caring for her in a way that maintained her dignity until the end.