Esther Mendez Quinones

Esther Mendez Quiñones, 95, beloved Mother, Wife, Sister, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Godmother, and Mother-in-law was called to her eternal resting place on August 23, 2024. She entered this world on July 17, 1929 in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, born to Elias Mendez Vargas and Eustaquia Quiñones Vasquez.

Esther was guided by her belief in God and her moral values constantly evidenced in her actions. Kindness, love and gentleness flowed from her always. At 8 years old she raised her siblings and was Godmother to many children.

On January 24, 1948 she married Juan Alberto 'Berto' Sierra Toro. They were each other's lifelong companions and blessed with 3 children: Carmelo, Esther 'Mariel', and Juanita 'Tati'.

Esther worked on their coffee farm in Puerto Rico, then moved with her family to North Philadelphia in 1968. She worked making cigars, then in a factory making cardboard boxes all while devoting her life to the care of her family.

She was an excellent cook known for her pasteles, enjoyed family gatherings, gardening, word-search puzzles, music, praying, and loving her family.

In 2013 she moved with Berto and Tati to Albuquerque.

Her sacrifice and love is evidenced in her grandchildren who are college graduates, a journeyman, pediatric occupational therapist, head of marketing and a PhD in epigenetics all with successful loving families. Her legacy will continue with them and their families' successes.

She is survived by her son, Carmelo Sierra; daughter, Esther Colón; siblings, Julia Mendez, Manuel 'Manolo' Mendez, and Juan 'Tito' Folch; grandchildren, Stephanie Sierra, Edwin Colón Jr, Carlos Sierra, Isabel Sierra, and Chrystyna Colón; great-grandchildren, Christian Colón, Sophia Rivera, Lola Rivera, Aaron Rivera, and Edison Zane Colón.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Berto and her daughter, Tati.

Esther especially will be remembered for her extraordinary kindness, loving nature, caring, laughter and smile that strengthened and lifted everyone she touched.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 27, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at FRENCH - University, with Funeral Service to follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87107 at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's association: https://www.alz.org/