Maria Del Refugio Calderon

Maria del Refugio “Cuca” Calderon

July 14, 1938 – January 23, 2020

Cuca was born in Huerta de Gambara, Michoacan Mexico to Marcelino Gordillo and Sara Amezcua; Cuca passed away peacefully at the age of 81; surrounded by her husband, sons and daughters in Brighton, Colorado.

At the onset of her adulthood, Cuca became a teacher and taught at the School in her birth town of Gambara. Cuca met the love of her life (“Viejito”) shortly thereafter and married Ramiro Calderon Gonzalez on November 1, 1958. Her First commitment was to her husband and her seven children.

She began reading the bible and was intrigued by the Great Message from God and on November 8, 1969, Cuca was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witness; thereafter beginning her Second commitment in life; to preach the word of God. Her dedication impressed so many lives and led to a multitude of spiritual brothers and sisters; her spiritual family became quite extensive. She found this career most rewarding!

Cuca was an encouraging strong-willed wife and mother; always adhering to her husbands’ decisions, supporting him and finding strength in figuring out how to help him achieve these journeys. From leaving the impoverished life in Uruapan, Michoacan Mexico to attaining a better life for her children in California; to supporting him on a Great journey to Byers Colorado in 1967.

Throughout her life, Cuca accompanied her husband to countless trips to her home town of Gambara, Michoacan Mexico; road trip across the country from California to New York; spent the latter part of her life in the Northglenn, Fort Lupton, Commerce City and eventually spending the last years of her life in the Brighton, CO area.

She was a strong Faithful passionate woman always displaying her signature smile and positive spirit; a devoted wife, a forgiving mother, a loving grandmother, and a blessed great-grandmother!

Cuca is survived by her husband of 62 years; brothers Juan and Alberto Gordillo; along with her six children Judith, Ramiro Jr., Elideth, Marco Antonio, Hortensia and Sara; daughters-in-law Damaris and Juana; twenty-six grandchildren Marco Antonio, Steven, Vanessa, Ramiro III, Jason, Lezly, Desiree, Eddye, Heather, Ashley, Nicole, Brandon, Devonnae, Bernadette, Yvette, Cuauhtemoc Jr., Ethan, Ramiro, Kevin, Charrisa, Robert, Benjamin, Isabella, Seth, Alexandra, Luis; and twenty-one great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by both her parents; four brothers Jose, Tacho, Sebastian, and Fernando Gordillo; sister Marta (Gordillo) Padilla; son Cuauhtemoc “Memo” Calderon; and great-grandson Marco Antonio Ramiro Pacheco III.

A memorial service will be held on February 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Waymire Building (Dome) 9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton, Colorado 80601, Adams County Fairgrounds. A Public viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. (at the same location) Cuca will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery 14800 Old Brighton Rd. Brighton, Colorado 80601 immediately following the service.

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