Hortensia Figueroa

Hortensia Figueroa dedicated herself to a life led by the principles of generosity, faith, compassion, and gratitude. Her spirit and selfless nature impacted family and friends; strangers did not remain so for long. Born in Globe on February 22, 1922, Hortensia lived in southeastern Arizona, southern California, and northern Mexico. She graduated from Globe High School in 1940 and married her life companion, Gilbert Figueroa, on February 7, 1942. Throughout her life, she was a hard worker, diligent, focused, and thorough, famous for her beautiful creativity and handwork in her sewing room, in the kitchen, and in the garden. In addition to all she did in the home, she held a number of jobs, working at the Joe Reitz furniture store, in the Morenci elementary school cafeteria, and with the Greenlee County Health Department Women Infant Children (WIC) Program, where she was selected to be the first community nutrition worker at the inception of the WIC Program in Greenlee County, retiring after 10 years of public service. Hortensia was also a member of numerous community organizations, including the Womens Democratic Club, the food co-operative, the Morenci and Safford Womens Clubs, the American Legion Womens Auxiliary, and the First United Methodist Church of Safford. Hortensia was preceded in death by her twin daughters, Maria Elena and Anne Marie, and five siblings. She is survived by her life companion, Gilbert Figueroa of Safford, her sister, Juanita Dominguez of Safford, and three children: Gilbert Figueroa of Irvine, CA, Estella Goodspeed of Edwards, CO, and Roberto Figueroa of Safford. She was also the proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Hortensia joyfully held all of the roles and positions she created and filled in the lives of many. She approached each day with complete faith in God and led a lifelong quest for new knowledge and experiences. She nourished her mind, body and spirit, and her quest to care for others, and great talents in leading a healthy life made her a gifted healer. All of this dedication culminated in a life lived with a whole commitment to health, a full spirit, and with the guiding principles of generosity, faith, compassion, and gratitude. Memorial services will be conducted at 2 pm, on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Safford, with Pastor Bob Holliday officiating.