Our beloved mother was called to be with God on April 9, 2010, which was the anniversary of the surrender by U.S. Forces to the Japanese army in the Philippines. She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel A. Armijo, a Bataan Death March survivor and POW, daughters Patti and Jenny, and her parents Bernardo and Lorencita Apodaca, siblings: Max, Benny and Louie Apodaca and Dolores Myers.
She was a life-long resident of Santa Fe and a graduate of Loretto Academy. She devoted her life to her family and was greatly admired and loved by all who knew her. Frances was an avid bowler who earned many awards for her accomplishments and traveled throughout the U.S. to national tournaments. She loved to garden and her flower beds showcased her green thumb. She led her life as a true Christian who always saw the good in people. She was a member of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
She is survived by her sister, Jo Ipiotis; son Manuel Fred Armijo, daughters Peggy Ruiz and Loretta Lithgow and son-in-law, C.V. Porky Lithgow; loving caregiver and niece, Priscilla Apodaca Gallegos, grandchildren, Loreen, Vince, and Dawn Lithgow, Mark, A.J. and Nycole Forte, Fred (Pamela), and Adam Armijo and Jennifer McCalister; great-grandchildren, Tiana Winston, Rachel and Joseph Lithgow, Kaitlyn and Zachary Armijo, Derrik and Elijah McCalister, Alyssa Armijo and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 13, 2010 at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church. Interment followed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Pallbearers included: Loreen, Vince, and Dawn Lithgow, Nycole and A.J. Forte. Honorary Pallbearers will include Mark Forte, Fred and Adam Armijo and Jennifer Winston.