Lucy Apodaca

Maria de la Luz "Lucy” Apodaca passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Ft. Collins, CO. She was born December 14, 1915 in Fountain, CO to Henry and Manuelita (Duran) Chacon. Lucy lived her early years in southern Colorado and moved to northern Colorado in 1930 where she met Daniel Apodaca. They were married in 1932 and settled in the Windsor and Ft. Collins area. Lucy worked alongside her husband in the sugar beet fields and raised her eight girls and four boys. She was quite a sight in her overhauls and wide brim hat. Not lacking in creativity, Lucy had many ways to make a pound of hamburger stretch to feed her family. She was a great cook. Beans and potatoes were served at every meal with fresh tortillas, and were often complimented with homemade jelly and natilla (pudding) for dessert. When lunch was ready Lucy would step outside and wave a white towel and the children would come running to the table. Of course, they were not allowed to sit until they had washed their hands and the blessing was said. She was proud that all twelve of her children graduated from Windsor High School. Before there was a catholic church in Windsor, Lucy opened her home for catechism classes and Mass. A priest and nun from Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Greeley would come to the house and conduct the classes and mass. She was one of the charter members of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor. Her strong faith helped her to persevere through many hard times. Her children remember seeing her many times on her knees, praying the rosary. After her family was raised Lucy shifted her energies to volunteering for various organizations. She was a founding and lifelong member of Los Alegres Ancianos Mexicanos, a member of the Holy Family Society and was recognized by RSVP as "Senior of the Year. After taking a writing class at age 76, Lucy wrote a book of her life story. She had her weekly routine which always included Bible Study and Bingo. She remained active doing the things she loved, painting, playing cards and crocheting. She will be remembered by her family as an extraordinary woman who survived hardships and preserved because of her unique ability to find hope and faith despite the obstacles in her life. Lucy is survived by her daughters, Bea Montoya (Benny) of Denver, CO, Sister Ann Lucia (Margaret) Apodaca of Leavenworth, KS, Inez Crowe (John) of Chadron, NE, Evelin Seay (Robert) of Ft. Collins, Carolyn Mannon of Greeley, Helen Chavez (Tony) of Windsor, Henrietta Garcia (Charles) of Erie, CO, Lucille Montoya (J.R.) of Ft. Collins; sons, Alfredo Apodaca (Lucy) of the Phillipines, Manuel Apodaca (Angela) of Longmont, CO, Frank Apodaca (Lupe) of Ft. Collins, and Dan Apodaca (Linda) of Rohnert Park, CA; 33 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Mary Guerrero (Henry) of Westminster, CO, Verlinda Salazar of Denver; sister-in-law, Erminda Chacon of Westminster; brother, Eugene Chacon of Denver, and brother-in-law, Conrad Gonsales of Brighton, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Juan and Eddie; and a sister, Rose. Services will include, Visitation 6-7 p.m. with Recitation of the Rosary following at 7: p.m. Sunday at Adamson Chapel in Greeley; Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 Monday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor; and Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "Alegres Ancianos”, in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634.