Lorencia Barbosa

Lorencia “Lencha” Barbosa, long time resident of Safford, Arizona, peacefully passed into eternal rest on Friday, June 13th, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by her close family.  She was born to Teofilo Talamantez and Dolores Rios (Edward Palomino) on December 16th, 1934 in Solomonville, Arizona.

Lencha later moved to Safford where she attended Safford Schools before entering the workforce. She retired after many years of nannying and housekeeping. She adored every child she had the opportunity to care for and treated each of them as her own. 

In her free time, Lencha loved to go out dancing, sew, crochet, and make her famous bean burros. Known as “Nannie” to her many grandchildren, she could always be found outside her home drinking a Coca-Cola and tending to her lawn, roses, and numerous other plants.

She was a devout member of the Catholic Church and volunteered her time teaching catechism to many here in the Gila Valley. She prayed for those she loved daily and was sure to bless everyone leaving her home.

Lencha is remembered by siblings Maggie, Eddie (Jr), and Rosie; her children, Toni Palomino, Louie Barbosa, Sal Sanchez and Sharon Gonzalez; grandchildren, Kristin Thompson, Robert Barbosa, Joseph Barbosa, Kaylee Kouts, Ashley Luna, Annette Williams, Jacob Williams, Michael Luna, Amber Paddock, Michelle Luna, Mark Luna, and Angel Barbosa; 22 great grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Pete, Betty, Danny “Nenni”, Josie “Pepe”, Chaya, Susie, Stevie, and Mitchell; and her beloved son, Robert; and her great granddaughter Rosaura Barbosa.

A celebration of Lencha’s life will take place on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, beginning with the Rosary and prayers at 9:30 AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM by Fr. Robert Rodriguez. Committal service at the Safford Cemetery will be held at a later date with close family.

Following the Mass, friends and family are invited to a bereavement luncheon in the Church Hall. Lencha will forever be remembered for her strength, faith, generosity, and deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.