Refugia Gamboa “Cuca” Frasquillo

The entire nation celebrated her birthday, however, there will not be a national holiday, day of mourning, nor flags flying at half staff because of her passing. Those whose lives she touched will cherish her memory and legacy.
Refugia Gamboa “Cuca” Frasquillo, 87, drew her final breath in Tucson’s Famiglia Amore assisted living home, with her loving children at her bedside, Friday, Jan. 6, 2017.
She left her home of 60 years Dec. 11, 2016 bound for Tucson Medical Center and returned for a final time, greeted upon her arrival by two of her sons and a waving half-staffed flag, Sat., Jan. 14, 2017.
A viewing and rosary preceded the Christian Burial mass celebration by Rev. Robert Rodriguez in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Choral music was by Coro Mensajero, with lectors David Lopez and Felipe Jose Nava, and eulogy by Raymundo Frasquillo. She was laid to rest in the church cemetery.
Cuca was born on July 4, 1929 in the Shannon Hill family home, the third daughter of Jose Gamboa and the former Consuelo Medina.
A large percentage of her nearly 32,000 days’ life on Earth was devoted to others. Cuca was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, Godmother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Losing her father at four months, the Clifton native and life-long resident developed a strong will to succeed. Her mother worked all day and slept upon returning home to rest for the next day.
She learned to gather and chop heating and cooking wood, launder clothes, mend and sew, clean house, and cook for her mother, sisters, and cousins at an early age.
Cuca attended Clifton Schools through the 10th grade and married Angel M. Frasquillo July 15, 1946. The union bore six children and lasted over 60 years.
Sometimes she had nothing to eat and went to bed hungry while growing up. Cuca and Angel made sure their children did not have the same experience and both went without so their children could have, but they did not spoil.
The homemaker was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and both English and Spanish choirs.
She enjoyed being with family, cooking, sewing, playing in the area recreation volleyball league, walking, watching ‘novelas,’ singing in the church choirs, and eating traditional cultural cuisine, fruits, vegetables, and banana splits.
Cuca is survived by sisters Avelina Sloan and Tanis Vozza; four children, daughter Angela F. Nava (Pedro) of Tucson and sons Raymundo Frasquillo of Clifton, Pedro (Kimberley) of Avondale, and Miguel (Jami Marie) of Land ‘O Lakes, Florida; granddaughters, Eldelisa Renee Nava, Veronica Marie Rodriguez (Jesus), and Antonia Marie Frasquillo; grandsons, Felipe Jose Nava (Lauren), Mario Luis Nava, Angel Peter Frasquillo, and Joaquin Miguel Frasquillo; great grandsons, Balam Sarellano, Kinam Sarellano, Itsin Sarellano, and Atticus Edward Frasquillo; and great granddaughters, Xochitl Rose Nava, Yaretzi Violet Nava, Tonantzin Citlali Nava, Crystal Alizee Nava, and Angel Gabrielle Rodriguez; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father (1929), mother (1949), sons Jose and Angel (both 1947), and sister Josephine Williams (2002).
Casket carriers were Raymundo Frasquillo, Miguel Frasquillo, Mario Luis Vozza, Daniel Rene Vozza, Felipe Jose Nava, Mario Luis Nava, Jesus Rodriguez, and Balam Sarellano.
Honorary pallbearers were Daniel F. Diaz, Roland Anthony Medina, David Lopez, Rodolfo Burrola Jr., Martin F. Burrola, Peter F. Burrola, David F. Burrola, Marcus F. Burrola, Frank Delgado, Harry Anthony Williams, Mark James Williams, Joseph Fitzgerald Williams, Robin Patrick Williams, Vicente Vozza, and Angel Peter Frasquillo.
Arrangements were entrusted to Vining Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome

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