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Frances Atencio

Frances Atencio

Biography


Atencio family Matriarch, Frances Torres Atencio was born to eternal life on October 25, 2007. She passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family as her husband Luis held her hand. She was born on February 7, 1924 in Miami, Arizona to Rafael and Lydia Torres. In 1944 she graduated from Miami High School. She met the love of her life, Luis L. Atencio, when he was visiting his brother who was working in the mines in Arizona. They were married in 1946 and settled in Espanola where they lived in the house where Luis was born. She brought her unique style, her warm personality, her tireless work ethic, and her unbending faith to the Valley. They founded El Paragua Restaurant in 1966 in the former Atencio family tack rooms and sheds. Using her recipes, El Paragua became famous, and her cooking won acclaim nationally with articles featured in many publications, including Bon Appetit, Gourmet, and The New York Times. She personally supervised the kitchen with the help of all her children and loyal staff. Until recently she would direct the food preparation from her home when she couldn't be there herself. She enjoyed gardening and won first place ribbons at the NM State Fair for her beautiful flowers. Her hobbies also included quilting, sewing, and playing the piano. She was active in the Santa Cruz de la Cañada Catholic Church and in living her faith. Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Block-Salazar Mortuary, and also on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the same Church on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. Serving as the main celebrant will be Father Ron Carrillo. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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Family

About

Name Frances Atencio
Date of Death October 25th, 2007
Home Town AL, US 
Interests Quilting, sewing & playing the piano.
Cemetery

Memorial

Cemetery
Funeral Home Rivera Family Funeral Home - Santa Fe
Address Espanola NM
United States
Milestone

Milestones

Owner of El Paragua Restraunt and El Parasol.

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Ymelda Martinez-Allison published a tribute .

Dear Ones,
How sorry I was to hear of the loss of your beloved mother. I remember her well, and always with a smile. She was precious, and I know you will all miss her greatly. With deepest sympathy and many prayers for you all,
Ymelda Martinez-Allison, Alexandria, Virginia

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Deborah Gallegos published a tribute .

May God be with Mrs. Frances Atencio. I'll always remember her, especialy when my dad, Buddy Gallegos, would take us to the restaurant. I know she is in heaven watching over us all. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

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Judy Martinez published a tribute .

My thoughts and prayers are with the Atencio family during this difficult time.

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Fred & Olivia Graham & Family published a tribute .

Our deepest condolences go out to your family. God Bless you all in your time of grieving.

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Kenny Martinez & Mary Jo Lujan published a tribute .

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the entire Atencio family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

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Stephanie Montoya published a tribute .

My prayers are with you all!
She is in peace now and I'm sure Annie welcomed her home.
God Bless!

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Perry And Maria Vigil published a tribute .

Our deepest condolences for your loss. You will all remain in our prayers. May God Bless you.

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Arlene Suazo published a tribute .

My heartfealt condolences to Mr. Atencio and his family. May Mrs. Atencio live strong in your hearts and memories. God Bless You...

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Chenchito & Tina Cordova published a tribute .

Larry & the entire Atencio Familia,

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We wish that we could be there in person to attend the rosary's and mass. We are praying for you all from afar. God Bless You.

Love Tina & Chenchito Cordova

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Elena Arellano published a tribute .

With my deepest sympathy to all the family.

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Steven Santistevan And Family published a tribute .

My heartfelt condolences to the Atencio Family. Mrs. Atencio gave me one of my first paying jobs bussing tables at El Paragua. I also worked with Ralph at VNB. Thank You.

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Lillian And Tina Brooks published a tribute .

With sincere sympathy to you all in your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers our with you.

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Annette Benavidez Zabalza published a tribute .

Please accept my sincere condolences for your great loss. Frances was very instrumental in our lives through the life of my grandmother Velma Tate, and the love that grandma had for your family. God bless all or you, and give you peace through your grief. In love, Annette Benavidez Zabalza and family.

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Shirley Rivera Chaves Villegas published a tribute .

My prayers are with you. God Bless all of you

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Toby And Irene Lucero published a tribute .

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Atencio family.

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Robert & Elsie Salazar & Family published a tribute .

We were saddened to hear the news of your wonderful wife and mother. May God keep you strong during this sad time and always.

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David And Yolanda Torres published a tribute .

With much love and deeply shared sorrow. Until we meet again Tia, save a spot for us.

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Clarissa Quintana Romero published a tribute .

My deepest condolences go out to the Atencio family. I was saddened to hear about Frances passing away. She was a wonderful woman who was not only my employer, but a friend. I will never forget her smile and how she loved all of you (her family. My thoughts have been with all of you continually since I heard of Frances passing. The Atencio family is in my prayers.

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Arturo, Roberta And Pat Trujillo published a tribute .

Our family sends deepest condolences. Frances was a wonderful person who will always be missed. Our prayers are sent to all of you.

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Pete, Larry And Families published a tribute .

My deepest condolences go out to you and your families. I am very sorry for the loss of your mom.
Always a friend,
Mike Martinez,
Alcalde,NM

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Charlie, Dubie Smith published a tribute .

We here at C. Smith Construction Co., Inc will be praying for you and give thier deepest condolences at this time.


Sincerley
Charles & Dubie Smith

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Chris And Renee Fresquez published a tribute .

Renae, Javier, your families & relatives...
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your grandma Frances. Please know that you and your families have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything that we can do to help during this difficult time, or the months to follow, please do not hesitate to let us know.
May God Bless you and yours.

Chris & Renee Fresquez.

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Christina And Bob Barnett published a tribute .

Mrs. Atencio left a legacy of love to everyone. She embraced our brother, John Grubesic, as one of her own. We shall never forget. May her garden bloom every year in her memory. She is cherished.

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Laura Duran-Santiago published a tribute .

My dear friends,

I was very sad to hear the sad news. Frances was a wonderful wife and mother who loved you all so dearly. I ws very blessed to have had her in my life. I'm so sorry I can't be there in person, but know that I will be there in spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love to all of you.

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Leonel Gallegos And Family published a tribute .

sorry we cannot attend the mass;we are very sorry for your loss and will pay a mass for your mom.

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Evita And Andrew Ortega published a tribute .

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the entire Atencio family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

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Patty Tidmore Terrell published a tribute .

We are all so blessed to have had Frances in our lives. What a dear, wonderful lady she was.

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Debbie Archuleta-Trujillo published a tribute .

My deepest condolences and sympathy to each of you for your great loss.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May Our Sweet Lord Jesus Christ comfort and bless your family during this most difficult time.

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Pat & Norma Seifrit published a tribute .

Our deepest condolences to the entire Atencio family. Alicia & Jose, may God be with you & Joey during this sad occasion. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

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Elmer & Alice Lucero & Family published a tribute .

Our deepest condolences to the entire Atencio famiy. You are all very close to our family and we will keep you in our hearts and prayers. Frances was a talented and respected person who was a treasure in our community. She was very dear to us and will forever remain in our hearts. Please kmow that we are there for whatever you may need from our family.

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Flavio And Barbara Garcia published a tribute .

I know how much you loved your mother and how happy she must have been to have you as her family. She was a very special friend to my parents, Paul and Nora, and I will never forget her kindness to our family. Affectionately, Flavio

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Julia Gallegos published a tribute .

My heartfelt condolences to the Atencio family.
Sincerely,
Julia

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Wes And Trisha Arrighetti published a tribute .

Beloved Ralph and family:
We want you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers. Your mother exemplified the best of motherhood and is an example to all of us. How blessed we were to know her. Our love, Wes, Trisha and Kate Arrighetti

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Jean Stratton published a tribute .

Frances has been a constant inspiration to me for over 15 years. I loved her too and I know your loss is immeasureable. Love to all the family.

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Karyne Archuleta & Girls published a tribute .

Our deepest sympathy to the Atencio Family for your loss. Francis was a Spectacular Woman that touched so many hearts, like ours. The angels surely are rejoicing with song, she's home at last. We pray that GOD holds the family in his loving arms and heals your broken hearts. Love and Prayers.

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David, Brenda, Adrian, Vincent & Paul Salazar published a tribute .

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOU ALL MAY OUR DEAR LORD COMFORT YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. WE WILL BE AROUND TO HELP ANY ANYWAY NEEDED. OUR PRAYERS AND TOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.

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Phyllis Sanchez & Dennis Trujillo published a tribute .

We are all sorry for your loss to your family. May God's Blessing be with the entire Atencio Family.

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Christina Archuleta-Mares published a tribute .

Please accept my deepest sympathy to each of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, may the dear Lord grant you strength and comfort at this most difficult time.

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Connie Romero published a tribute .

My thoughts and prayers are with the Atencio Family.

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Leo, Rhonda And Family published a tribute .

We want to express our deepest sympathy to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We ask that God give you comfort and strenght. Please call us if we can help in any way.

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John And Mildred Garcia published a tribute .

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Pleasse be aware tht you are all in our prayers. We know our parents, Jose Gregorio and Mauricia Garcia, admired her greatly.

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Socorro Herrera & Staff published a tribute .

May God comfort you and help you to be strong...

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Jonathan Jaramillo published a tribute .

My condolences to the Atencio family during the loss of one of Espanola's most well known Restaranteurs. Mrs. Atencio had such a big loving heart and she has left me with nothi9ng but fond memories. So well known, therefore NEVER forgottten! Rest in Peace--Jonathan Jaramillo, New York

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Matthew & Kelly Rivera published a tribute .

Mrs. Atencio instilled pride & strong values in her family & those she cared about. She is being missed dearly and will be fondly remembered. "Peace be thine".

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