Obituary of Francisca Genaw

Francisca "Paquita" Mateo Genaw age 68 of Pembroke Pines, FL was received in Heaven on November 5 surrounded by her family at home. Paquita was born in Zaragoza, Spain on March 12, 1947 to Lucio Mateo and Antonia Pablo. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Luis. Paquita enjoyed crochet, travelling, wonderful conversation with her many close friends and family, music, Tai chi, Spanish "futbol", and surprising us all as a NASCAR fan. Most of all she loved spoiling her grandchildren Thomas, Conner, Alexander, and Logan. Selfless with her time she volunteered at Southwest focal point, adult day care, and Kolby Crafters for many years. She gave endlessly of her talents crocheting innumerable baby blankets, hats, scarfs and ponchos for friends, family and those in-needs. She had a special talent of making an inviting beautiful home for her husband and children as they moved throughout the years. Paquita met her husband Gary in El Frasno, Spain in August of 1965. They were married in December of 1966 in Zaragoza, Spain. Paquita came to the United States a newlywed greeting her new family in Michigan with the two words she knew in English: "thank you" and "excuse me". Due to her incredible quest for knowledge, Paquita quickly mastered English. She never met a stranger and quick to approach people, especially those "crafting". Throughout her travels, Paquita was privileged to meet many incredibly accomplished individuals, treating everyone she met as a life-long friend. To Paquita "People were People" She showered everyone with her outgoing bubbly personality and love. Paquita lived life to the fullest. She touched the hearts of many, and people around the globe are saddened by her passing. To quote A. Sachs "Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives". Paquita's battle with breast cancer began in 1991. While her brave final 5 yr. battle kept her from her volunteer work, her optimism and passion for life was charitably shared with all those she encountered. The Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the Cleveland Clinic valiantly accompanied her on her journey, warmly welcoming her on every visit. Paquita is survived by her devoted husband Gary of Pembroke Pines, FL; her sister Maria del Carmen of Zaragoza, Spain; daughter Maria Del Pilar Fierros of Coral Springs, FL; son Gary of Amarillo, TX; daughter Denise Hale of Clifton Park, NY; son-in-law's Christopher and Thomas; daughter in-law Jennifer, her four grandsons, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. With special thanks to the incredible team from Vitas Healthcare Hospice & Vitas Care Solutions which cared for Paquita with such amazing compassion. Aileen, Betina, Carla, Fabiola, Sharon, and Surette words will never be enough to express our gratitude for your wonderful service. Thank you Lynn and Deidra for all of your accommodating efforts. Our gratitude to Team 158 of Vitas Hospice, especially Jayanne, the lovely music therapist, and chaplains. We are forever grateful to her sister and niece "Las Mari Carmens." In those final days and hours, her sister never left her side. Funeral services for Paquita will be announced by her family at a later date. Following the Mass, Paquita will be laid to rest at the South Florida National Cemetery at 6501 SR-7, Lake Worth, FL 33449 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Schott Communities https://npo.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=65-0556524 or the Maroone Cancer Center at the Cleveland Clinic Florida http://floridacampaign.clevelandclinic.org/about/cancer-center/ Schott Communities is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1986 to address the needs of persons who are deaf or who are physically or intellectually challenged in South Florida. The agency is an extension of the ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami for this special population. The goal is for the Maroone Cancer Center to be a nationwide leader in cancer treatment. As described by Dr. Wael Barsoum, President of the Cleveland Clinic of Florida, "It's about taking care of entire patient, the patient's family, making sure they are cared for every step of the way, not just from a physical perspective …" To paraphrase Winston Churchill; Paquita was ready to meet her maker, but whether her maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting her is another matter. In heaven Paquita is for sure organizing her family and new found friends, saying "let's go talk to God!"