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Submitted: 5/23/21 • Approved: 5/24/21 • Last Updated: 5/27/21 • R272123-G272122-S3
Eugenia Quintanilla
February 28, 1943 - September 30, 2016
Eugenia (Geña) Quintanilla, 73, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on September 30, 2016.
Born in La Lima, Honduras on February 28, 1943 to Virginia Amaya and Felipe Jerezano. Geña was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, Tia, and friend to many.
She grew up in Santa Barbara Honduras with her sister Antonia Amaya Pena and two brothers Lucio and Antonio. She was raised by her aunt Yeya Jerezano.
She met Mario Quintanilla at her mother’s restaurant in San Pedro Sula where Mario would frequent to see her. Their first date to a movie included her brother Antonio. They were married by the justice of the peace on December 2, 1963.
In 1965 Mario and Geña journeyed to the United States to start a better life. They landed in Lisbon North Dakota. In 1973 Geña was naturalized a US citizen. She worked cleaning houses and businesses. Her life in Lisbon was simple. She loved riding her bike and taking her grandchildren for rides in the bike basket. She loved her church, The First Baptist Church of Lisbon. She loved coffee with friends. On her 25th year wedding anniversary, Mario and Geña renewed their vows and were married at First Baptist Church in Lisbon. This was a long time wish of hers, to be married in the church. Her request was to be buried in the dress she wore when she renewed her vows.
In 2004 Geña and Mario moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to the younger grandchildren.
Geña loved Mickey Mouse and trips to see him. She loved her family and the time spent together eating and laughing. Weekend barbeques. She loved making sure others were eating. She loved dancing. She loved her flowers. She loved a clean house. She loved posing for pictures. Most importantly she loved her God.
Geña is survived by her husband, Mario, three children, Jessica (Aaron) Beavers, Peggy Canter, and Mario Jr (Rachel); eight grandchildren, Ty Michels, Caden Quintanilla, Cedrick and Tariah Ambrose, Beau and Easton Beavers, and Amaya and Gabe Canter; a sister Antonia Amaya Peña; a brother Lucio Amaya; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Geña was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and Felipe, a special aunt Yeya Jerezano, a special sister-in-law Reina Radke, and her brother Antonio Amaya.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. McHale, Dr. Hoffman, the numerous RNs and staff at Avera Cancer Center and Avera Hospice. Their love and care represented the angels that always surrounded Geña.
The family requests memorials be directed to the First Baptist Church, 401 Forest St, Lisbon ND 58054
Visitation will be on Thursday, October 6 at Heritage Funeral Home with family present from 6:00-8:00pm
A celebration of life service will be held at Church at the Gate, in Sioux Falls, on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 1:00pm.
Section Willow Plot # 1641
Contributed on 5/23/21 by 9katz
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Record #: 272123