Esther Sabistana Briseno, 93, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024 at Wesley on Grand.
Esther was born July 25, 1930, in Colfax County, New Mexico to Jose Samuel and Emma F. Tafoya (Larranaga). Esther was the sixth child of nine children and was raised on a ranch during the Great Depression. In 1953, at a dance in Colorado, she met her future husband Sisto Briseno. They married six months later and moved to Des Moines where they raised their five children. The future brought them ten grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Esther loved her extended family that was brought to her by the marriage of her children and grandchildren.
Esther worked for Hiland Potato Chip Co., Bishops Cafeteria, and Hy-Vee on Fleur Drive. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Hispanic Unit 731. She was elected Treasurer. She was a long-standing member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Esther was a breast cancer survivor since 1985.
She had a curious mind and good imagination. She liked museums, star watching, history, nature, movies, and reading. These traits are carried on by the family along with happiness, love and caring.
Esther is survived by her children; Dave (Susan), Sam, Ramona, Dolores, Frances (Adam) Wendel; ten grandchildren, Hillary (Benji) Lenz, Nic (Tracy) Briseno, Lindsey (Travis) Anderson, Samantha (Jon) Mielak, DeLesa (Matt) Jeanblanc, Ryanne (Tyler) Jansen, Daniel Briseno, Lora Wendel, Matthew Wendel, and Emma Wendel; eighteen great-grandchildren. Special daughter, grandson, and great-grandson; Jennifer, Christopher and Joven Chiodo. Sister, Lydia Kawa, Brother, Ernest (Gloria) Tafoya. Many nieces and nephews. Special family – Roy (Karen) Valgoi, Mark, Brad and Michele Black, Caitlin, Cam, and Emma Taylor.
She is preceded in death by her husband Sisto Briseno, parents, brothers, Ben, Eloy, and Rudy; sisters, Dora, Teles and Virginia.
A special note to the staff at Wesley on Grand: You treated Esther so well... Thank You.
Funeral Service with mass is scheduled for May 3, 2024, at 11am at Christ the King. A visitation will be the night before on May 2nd at Sunset Memorial Chapel from 5pm-7pm. A burial will take place after the mass on May 3rd at Sunset Memorial Gardens.