Emma J. Pacheco

Emma J. Pacheco (née Quintana), age 89, died peacefully on September 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. Emma was born on March 19, 1936, in Center, CO to Victor and Gregorita Quintana. Emma had four sisters and one brother. Baby Esther, Esther, Betty, and Victor preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Maryann Martinez.

Emma’s family moved to Leadville, CO, as a small child. She loved Leadville, and it was there that she met Armando Pacheco. Armando and Emma were married on June 24, 1956. Throughout their marriage, they would live in Denver and New Mexico but spent most their life in Leadville where they raised their seven children: Ray (Sonia), Tom (Juanita), Patsy (Eloy), Geneva, David (Lexea), Amanda (Sherilyn), and Melissa.

Emma’s family meant everything to her, and she modeled a life of hard work, faith, and love. She loved her family with all her heart, and being together brought her so much happiness. She was proud of her family and supported them in everything they did. While she taught many important life lessons, some of those lessons were how to enjoy camping in her beloved mountains, dance to Spanish music, and order the tall stack of strawberry pancakes instead of the short stack! And for Emma, friends were family. To show up on her doorstep was to be greeted with love and kindness. Her friends held a special place in her heart.

As if cooking for seven kids wasn’t enough, Emma was a cook by profession too! But she loved it, and she would work as a cook in the Lake County School District and various establishments throughout Leadville. You would be hard-pressed to find someone from her cooking days who didn’t enjoy a meal that she had prepared.

Throughout Emma’s life, one thing that never faltered was her faith, and it sustained her throughout her days. Every day started and ended with prayers. She lived out her faith every day– attending mass, praying the rosary, and serving as a Catholic Daughter and Eucharistic Minister. Emma always saw the grace of God in everyone she met. Emma never let you leave without giving you a blessing that “God be with you.”

Emma enjoyed life. Even when things were tough and her health declined - singing, gardening, crafting, and playing bingo brought her so much joy. Emma lived the last year and a half of her life at the Gardens at St. Elizabeth in Denver, CO. The family is grateful for the love and care she received by the amazing staff and community while there.

In addition to her seven children, Emma is survived by 49 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and godchildren.