News Summary
Francisca Quinones Mena, a respected matriarch from Cleveland, passed away at 85. Known for her unwavering strength and devotion to family, she leaves behind cherished memories, having dedicated decades to her community and loved ones.
Cleveland – Francisca Quinones Mena, a beloved matriarch and a pillar of her community, passed away at the age of 85. Her legacy of love and strength will be cherished by her family and friends, who remember her as the heart of their lives.
Born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, Francisca was the daughter of Alejandro Quinones and Lucrecia Barreto Quinones, both of whom are deceased. She spent her early years raised in New York City before moving to Cleveland in 1975. In Cleveland, she dedicated 24 years of her life to MetroHealth as a machine operator in the laundry department, demonstrating her strong work ethic and commitment to service.
Francisca was married for 64 years to Ramon Rosario Mena, who has also passed away. Together, they raised three children: Gloria Martinez, Luz (Pedro) Leyritana, and Jose L. Perez. She was a loving grandmother to Natalie (Jeffrey) Freels, Ricardo Martinez (Cathylia Santana), Leila Leyritana, and Gayle Lebus, and she took great joy in her role as a great-grandmother to Adeline, Gabriel, Elena, Isabella, Elianna, Karina, Syncere, and Jai. The family had to cope with the loss of her grandson, Jose L. Perez Jr., who is also deceased.
Francisca was not only a devoted mother and grandmother but also a cherished sister and an affectionate aunt to many. She shared strong bonds with her siblings, including America, Luz, and Maximino, while also remembering her siblings Maya, Alfredo, Yuyo, Israel, Minelva, and Leduvina, who have all passed away. Her family described her as firm, strong, and independent, providing a steadfast foundation that instilled valuable principles of a good home, love, strength, and respect in her children.
Faith was central to Francisca’s life, guiding her and providing her with strength and purpose. She cherished Sunday traditions that revolved around church and family dinners, which were often filled with laughter, love, and her delightful cooking. Her home was a reflection of her nurturing spirit, as she found joy and peace in tending to flowers and creating beauty around her living space.
Funeral arrangements have been made for family and friends to pay their respects. A visitation will be held on September 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home in Cleveland, followed by a funeral service at 1 PM. Francisca will be interred at Riverside Cemetery in Cleveland, where family members and friends can gather to honor her memory and legacy.
Francisca Quinones Mena leaves behind a profound legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories that will continue to inspire her family and the many lives she touched throughout her 85 years.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Francisca Quinones Mena
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- Cleveland Obituary
- Google Search: Francisca Quinones Mena
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Puerto Rico
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
