Frances J Anaya

Our beloved mother Frances Juanita Anaya was granted her angel wings on July 7, 2022. A loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, was also known as “Beb” by many.

Frances Juanita Anaya was one unique lady, she is survived by her loving children Cynthia Vandergalien, Theodore Anaya and Erlynda Edenfield, grandchildren Buck Edenfield, Allie Edenfield, Alton Edenfield II and Sarah Lopez. Also survived by her 7 sisters and brother. 

 

Frances Juanita Anaya was born to Alex and Mary Gallegos in Trinidad, Colorado on November 6, 1944. Mom was raised by her grandmother Martita Garcia, and attended Catholic school at Holy Trinity. Trinidad is a small coal mining town and surviving the winter months was hard on both of them, but they had each other. As a young girl in the cold winter months, mom would help shovel and gather coal for her & grandma Martita, and share with their elderly neighbors nearby. Frances quickly learned how to write, read and speak Spanish at an early age. Mom would help her grandma Martita write letters to her daughter Mary who lived in Colorado. As a teenager, mom and grandma Martita moved to Lafayette, Colorado to be closer to her family.

 

In 1968, Beb married her late husband Uvaldo Anaya and together they had four children. Although they were divorced years later,  they did share some good times. Our mom raised us to always be respectful, honest, accountable and kind. Mom always reminded us to never let anyone take advantage of our good nature or allow anyone to make us cry, and to always be faithful to ourselves. Mom was sharp witted and nothing got past her. Mom had a few memorable quotes, two she’d often used were “sorry don’t feed the dog” and “be glad time don’t stand still”. A strict mother no doubt, she was loving, generous and she loved hard with all of her heart. Beb was very close with her sisters and brothers and loved them very much. Family celebrations were memorable and cherished. Many Sundays were spent with family and friends cheering for their favorite teams, most favored of course were the Denver Broncos and boy, they better win! Laughter, good food and spirits filled our house on football Sunday. 

 

Mom worked many years in electronic assembly for IBM, Ball Bros., General Dynamics, and OOC. Mom enjoyed her profession, and was proud of her accomplishments and was recognized for being a perfectionist.  Beb had the opportunity to work with several family members and friends throughout her career. Mom loved working with her sister Rosemary Pederson at The Royal Hue ceramic shop in Niwot Colorado. Together they made and painted beautiful ceramics, figurines, pie plates and serving bowls. The mushroom and corn serving bowls were always front and center during holidays and special occasions. We will miss  sharing family dinners with mom. Enjoying her delicious recipes, her food was always home for us!  

 

Our mom loved spending time with her family - sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews making memories. Mom was loved by all and she loved all. Our mom, Beb was often referred to as their second mother from family and some friends that were dear to her heart. 

 

In 1987, Frances and her three children moved to Southern California to be near her brother Peter Gallegos. We will never forget the first earthquake in Fontana our first summer we arrived. It was a shaker!!! Mom moved quickly to the nearest church and prayed, she stayed there all day until Lynda was out of school. Mom had serious thoughts about moving back to Colorado. But as time went by, she learned how to adapt to the rocking and rolling of future earthquakes. 

 

Mom lived in the Inland Empire for many years, she was an amazing grandmother, so loving and caring. Mom helped Lynda and Al raise Buck and Allie and was able to witness all the first experiences of her grandchildren and was blessed with all their  hugs and kisses daily. Mom mastered baking the most delicious cupcakes for her grandchildren and didn’t skimp on the frosting, and don’t forget about her famous fideo!

 

Mom was an amazing artist! Mom would draw the most beautiful flowers, we like to refer to as her signature flower. Those that visited with her, saw how she could easily doodle on a napkin and knew how talented she was. Mom loved different media of art, including pencil, charcoal, oils, water colors and clay.  Thankfully, her painting and crochet talents have passed to her children and grandchildren. 

 

A blessing came in 2015 when Mom relocated to Imperial Beach, California with her daughter Cyndi, Aaron and Granddaughter Sarah. Mom lovingly raised Sarah well past her teens. Mom enjoyed the beach and every evening she’d take a walk to her favorite spot and soak up  the scenery and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Together, they enjoyed sharing dinner, cocktails at their favorite local restaurants and loved each other's company. 

 

Frances was given the nickname “Francois” by her son Ted and  enjoyed spending time visiting him in Malibu, California. Her favorite church was Our Lady of Malibu and mom was convinced it was the most beautiful church she had ever visited. Those two were always off doing something fun! Mom enjoyed attending Broncos and Laker games, concerts, musical theaters, casinos, and other adventures with her family and friends. Beb was always up for a fun time! There was never a silent moment in her house, if she wasn’t listening to music she was watching football, basketball or hockey. Never turn down her radio in her car or her kitchen or she’d give you “The Look”! Mom was an animal lover, her cats Sid Vicious and Nora brought her so much joy & little gifts and entertained her throughout the years. 

 

In 2016, Mom moved to West Jordan, Utah. Mom was cared for by her daughter Lynda, Al, Buck and Allie. Buck shared a lot of time with his Grandma, to him she was known as Hahome and she called him Booney. Booney and Hahome enjoyed playing cards and watching game shows like Jeopardy and Family Fued. Buck loved his Grandma dearly.  Allie and Grandma both shared a sweet tooth for chocolate, they were thick as thieves when it came to sneaking sweet treats to each other late at night. Mom spent a lot of time in the backyard, admiring the beautiful tulips, taking in the view of the Rocky Mountains and catching a glimpse of the cowboys riding their horses. 

 

What a legacy, what a life. I invite each of you to keep my mom alive in your hearts. Mom was grateful for the love of her family and friends. Our mother had a beautiful heart and will forever live in ours. We will miss you mom but we will meet again! 

“Say not in grief she is no more, but in thankfulness that she was”-Hebrews Proverb-