Beatriz Casanas of Flagstaff passed away peacefully in her home on March 22. Born Beatriz Velazquez in Cuba, she and her husband Luis came to the United States in 1962. Always a devout Catholic, her prime motivation was to live free of religious persecution. She lived a brief time in Miami, followed by two years in Dallas where her daughter was born. They moved to the East San Francisco Bay Area in 1964 and, after some years of apartment living, she realized her dream of home ownership in Union City. She enjoyed her home, and her great neighbors for almost two decades. In December 1988, she and Luis moved to Flagstaff where her daughter, son-in-law and first grandchild were living. She poured herself into her three grandsons over the years, being instrumental in their faith formation, their bilingualism, and their all around strong character. She loved to cook and particularly enjoyed holiday meals with the whole family. She overcame some initial concern about living in snow country and came to absolutely love Flagstaff. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure, she was ready to go be with the Lord and died at home with her family, just as she had desired. Truly, a life well lived!

She is survived by daughter, Diana (Kevin) Clancy ; grandsons Bruce, Brad (Maria), and Brett Clancy; great granddaughters Isabella and Madeleine; sister Mercedes Arboleda; sisters-in-law Antonia (Dennis) Hunt and Sandra (Victor) Aellos and many nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held at 10:00 am with Mass following at 10:30 am at San Francisco de Asis parish on April 11, 2025