News Summary
Friends and family gather to honor the memory of Francisca Rosario Mena, a beloved matriarch from Puerto Rico. Known for her strength and commitment to family, she leaves behind a legacy of love and values. Her funeral service will take place in Cleveland, where her contributions to her community and family will be cherished forever.
Cleveland, Ohio — Family and friends are preparing to celebrate the life of Francisca Rosario Mena, a cherished matriarch and valued community member, who passed away recently. The beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother is remembered for her unyielding strength, independence, and commitment to family values.
Francisca was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, to Alejandro Quinones and Lucrecia Barreto Quinones. She was a devoted wife to the late Ramon Rosario Mena for 64 years and the loving mother of three children: Gloria Martinez, Luz Leyritana (married to Pedro Leyritana), and Jose L. Perez. Francisca also leaves a legacy through her grandchildren, which include Natalie Freels (married to Jeffrey Freels), Ricardo Martinez (partnered with Cathylia Santana), Leila Leyritana, and Gayle Lebus. Additionally, she graced her family with the joy of being a great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren.
Having moved to New York City after her childhood in Puerto Rico, Francisca began her career as a seamstress before relocating to Cleveland in 1975. In her new home, she dedicated 24 years of service to MetroHealth as a machine operator in the laundry department. Throughout her life, she was known as the heart and matriarch of her family, embodying virtues such as strength, love, and respect.
Francisca instilled essential homekeeping values in her children and taught them the importance of living with love and unity. Her faith played a crucial role in her life, contributing to her character and influencing her family’s teachings. Sundays were particularly special for Francisca, as she would begin her day by attending church, followed by warm family dinners filled with laughter and cherished stories.
In addition to her nurturing spirit, Francisca had a passion for cooking and gardening. She excelled in creating meals that brought joy to her family gatherings and found peace in tending to her flowers and garden. This connection with nature reinforced her love for family, allowing her to foster a warm and inviting home atmosphere.
Francisca Rosario Mena is survived by her three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as siblings America, Luz, and Maximino. She was preceded in death by several siblings, including Maya, Alfredo, Yuyo, Israel, Minelva, and Leduvina. Known affectionately as aunt by many, she created lasting memories that will be cherished forever.
Her funeral service will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, located at 14768 Lorain Avenue in Cleveland. Following the service, the interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Cleveland.
Francisca leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, lessons, and memories for her family. Her impact on those who knew her is profound, ensuring that her values will continue to guide her loved ones in their lives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Francisca Quinones Mena: A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Additional Resources
- Francisca Rosario Mena Obituary
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home
- Google Search: Francisca Rosario Mena
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Francisca Rosario Mena
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
