Lila Pacheco Obituary

Lila Ann Pacheco, 57 of Queen Creek Arizona, loving wife and mother, passed away at home surrounded by her Ohana on Saturday, September 14th 2024. Born in Safford, Arizona to Marilyn Badger Sorensen and Donald Sorensen, she was the youngest of five siblings.

Lila spent her childhood blooming in the Arizona Desert. Being a companion to her mother’s horticultural work and the antics of her elder siblings until she and her family were uprooted to Laie, Hawai’i. It was a hard change for a 13 year old, having to leave the life and friends she’d made for life on an island so far away. But with time and her sociability she flourished in her new home soil.

She worked just as hard at making friends as she did at her studies, distinguishing herself by becoming apart of the National Honor Society at Kahuku High School. Even decades later, she embodied the four pillars of the NHS; Scholarship, Character, Leadership and Service.

After graduating from high school, attended BYU Hawai’i for a Degree in Early Education. She used her passion for teaching within various callings in the Church. Especially in Sunday School and Primary classes. She worked as a substitute teacher where she always sought new ways to make learning fun and approachable for all, no matter the age.

A witty and vivacious personality. She also lent her energy to the stage with Showcase Hawai’i as a dancer as well as a Tour Guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center, educating guests and locals alike on the myriad peoples and customs that make up Hawai’i and it’s island neighbours.

It was while dancing that she met her future husband, David Pacheco, who worked behind the scenes as a sound technician. They worked together, in their own ways, to delight and entertain visitors to the Cultural Center. They were in similar, circles, contrasting personalities, but they eventually found friendship, then love in each other.

They were married and sealed for eternity on April 22nd 1988, in the Laie, Hawai’i LDS Temple. A day wreathed in happiness and long awaited for. When remembering her wedding she always remarked how grateful she was to have married her best friend.

One of her many ambitions was to become a mother and after years of difficulties, this dream of hers was fulfilled three months early and twice over in April of 1993. The challenges of nursing two premature babies were harrowing for both parents, but they counted their blessings, did what they could and relied on their faith for the rest.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and that faith truly was the constant that kept her steady. David’s job had them move to many places, England, Colorado and Guam among others, but the place that held her heart the most was wherever her family was. Family is family in her book, no matter how far geographically or genealogically.

She had an eye for beautiful and well crafted things. Taking the time to ensure her home was a comfortable place for both friends and family, through decoration as well as the spirit that resided there. Beautifying her space with antiques and pieces from local artisans when able, as well as with the gifts of nature; stones, shells and always flowers.

Her life was defined by a spirit of incredible generosity and an over flowing kindness. No matter where she was, she found ways to touch the lives of others. A listening ear to a stranger in the supermarket queue or thanking those in food service. Even during her greatest struggles with her health, she found ways to lift the spirits of doctors and staff that attended her.

She is survived and forever loved by her husband David A. Pacheco III, her children, Melinda and Marilyn as well as her elder siblings, Jennette, Gary, Nate and Kathy.

Services were held Friday, September 20th. She will be buried in Holden Cemetery beside her Mother and Father on Saturday September 28th, 2024. There will be a viewing at 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the LDS Holden Cultural Hall 100 N 110 E, Holden, UT 84636. The graveside will follow the viewing at 11:00 am in The Holden Town Cemetery under the care of Olpin Stevens Funeral Home. Online condolences can be offered at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com