Francisco Najera

April 3, 1945 - December 29,2023

Francisco G. Najera, beloved spouse, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to so many, entered eternal life on December 29, 2023, at 5:55pm, in Irvine, California, surrounded by love and family. Francisco was born on April 3, 1945, to Francisco Najera and Ramona Grajeda in Flores Magon, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was best known to his family as Quico, to work colleagues as Frank, but his favorite title was Grandpa Pancho, as his three beautiful granddaughters called him.

Francisco grew up riding horses and had a love of western life and culture. He was taught to work hard at an early age. He immigrated to the Unites States at the age of sixteen with plans to build a better future. Francisco had a successful career as a Propagation Manager for Hines Nurseries, where he dedicated 40 years of his life, developed a love of plants, and where he met his beautiful wife, Maria. He took immense pride in his garden and spent countless hours tending to it, displaying his love for nature, and teaching his granddaughters how to plant and water flowers. He always liked to have a work backup plan, so he held a Real Estate license and provided income tax preparation services. After retirement, Francisco worked at Walmart’s Garden department for 7 years to keep himself active. Francisco's strong work ethic and dedication were evident in his professional accomplishments.

Francisco loved talking to and helping people, and everywhere he went, he either ran into friends or made new ones. He enjoyed walking around his neighborhood, where he was loved and appreciated. His all-time favorite things to do were spending time with his family, enjoying meals together, and traveling. He had a wonderful smile, a hearty laugh, and a positive can-do attitude. He loved playing his guitar and singing with his deep voice that could be heard throughout the house. His sense of awe and adventure never left him.

Francisco is survived by his spouse of almost 52 years, Maria P. Najera. Francisco was a devoted father to his children, Irma Najera Ruesch and Troy Ruesch of Foothill Ranch, CA, Ricardo and Evacel Najera of Mission Viejo, and Veronica Najera of Laguna Hills, CA. He was also a proud grandfather to Mia Aricela Najera, Eva Luna Najera, and Ayla Najera Ruesch. Francisco is also survived by his siblings and their spouses, to whom he was close: Martina Najera and Jose Garcia, Manuela Najera (who preceded him in death), Guadalupe and Maria Najera, and Maria and Efren Diaz.

Francisco had a deep faith in God and believed everything was in God’s hands. He volunteered for many years as a reader at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Santa Ana, CA. His faith played a vital role in his life and brought him comfort and strength. He would end most calls and texts to his children with a “God Bless You.”

Memorial services for Francisco are as follows: Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 5-9pm at Saddleback Chapel in Tustin, CA. Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 9am at Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest, CA, followed by burial at Ascencion Cemetery in Lake Forest, CA at 10:15am.The reception will be held at Najera residence afterwards. Ask family for directions.

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