d. May 18, 2024
Antonito Native Paula Louise Espinoza took God’s hand on May 18, 2024, at her home in Antonito, Colorado. Although she is gone, her spirit will live on forever.
After graduating from high school, Paula began her world travels where she lived in Italy for several years, she joined the convent, met the pope, and served her country as a Chaplains Assistant in the United States Navy for over 4½ years. Before being Honorably Discharged on September 24, 1996, Paula received the National Defense Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon twice, a Letter of Commendation, and the Navy Achievement Medal. Following her tour of duty, Paula graduated with Honors from St. Elizabeth’s College in New Jersey where she frequently made the Deans Academic List and was awarded the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” for her Academic Leadership and Service Achievement. Eventually, Paula returned home to her family and actively endeavored to improve her community. To her, family and community were everything.
Paula was a brave and courageous educator and leader in all aspects of her life. She had an undeniable faith in God and the power of prayer, especially through the health issues she encountered during her last years. She spent countless hours volunteering for different causes, especially with the church. She had a warm heart; she was strong; and she was loved by everyone that knew her.
Paula was born in Denver, Colorado to Maria Consuelo DeHerrerra and Pablo Lionel Espinoza on June 30, 1970. She is preceded in death by her father Lionel Pablo Espinoza and stepfather Pete DeHerrera. She is survived by her mother Maria, Sister, Pamela Espinoza (Gary), Brother and Sister-in-law Lionel “Hoso” Espinoza (Jeannine), 2 nieces, Xantha Espinoza and Arianna Espinoza, four nephews Stefano Espinoza, GaryLee Quintana (Katie), Anthony Espinoza, and Lucio Espinoza, one great nephew DamienLee Quintana, and an abundance of extended family.
A rosary will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 6:00pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Conejos. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10:00am at our Lady of Guadalupe in Conejos, followed by burial services at the La Jara Cemetery
