In Loving Memory

Kena Marie Contreras

3/29/1968 — 9/28/2021

Partnered-Hearts

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Link to the service:

http://youtube.com/channel/UCtGD4mQCSi2WMLxW7POi6QQ/live

The Lord called Kena home on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Kena Marie Contreras is survived by her partner, Michelle Hawkins, her mother Juana C. McDermott, her 4 sisters; Ada Yunis Chavira-Hughlett (Jesse), Delia McCarty (Mark), Dora Alicia Rome (Milton) and Celina Jimenez-Hester, six nieces, five nephews, Her aunts: Alejandrina Macias, Francisca Villa. Her uncle Felix Montes Galvez, and 21 cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandmother Antonina Galvez Contreras, grandfather Eugenio Contreras, aunt Rosalina de Valenzuela, her uncles: Daniel Montes, Francisco Contreras, Ramon Contreras and 5 cousins.

Kena Marie Contreras was born in March 1968, to Juana Contreras Galvez and David Jimenez Cortez in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. She lived there until the age of 9 when her mother and 4 sisters relocated to the United States. Kena and her family moved and settled in Chandler, AZ in 1982. She graduated with Honors from Chandler High School in 1986 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. In 1987, Kena proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America.

Kena started her career in social work focusing on families and was very proud to advocate for foster children as a Program Specialist for the Arizona State Supreme Court. In 1998, Kena obtained her MBA in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and began her 13 year career in pharmaceutical sales. After moving to Colorado, she received her K-6 teaching license from the Colorado Department of Education and spent 8 years sharing her love of learning with children. In April, Kena began working for Dr. Schnider as a Physician Liason for Denver Integrated Spine Center.

Kena shared her love of life and her infectious smile with everyone she met. She will be greatly missed and always in our hearts.

All services for Kena will be held at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ.

Sunday, October 10 th 3-5pm Visitation with Rosary Service at 4pm

Monday, October 11 th 10-11am Visitation, 11-12pm Service (Live Stream Link Kena Contreras Celebration of Life

12:00-12:30pm Graveside Service

12:30-2:30pm Luncheon

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to any of the following organizations:

www.aspca.org

www.girlsincdenver.org

www.compassion.com

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Visitation

Sunday, October 10, 2021 · 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Gilbert Memorial Park

Service

Monday, October 11, 2021 · 11:00 AM

Gilbert Memorial Park 2100 East Queen Creek Road Gilbert, AZ 85297

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Michelle

Love this, thank you so much for sharing Oscar!

Oscar Reyes M

I remember Ms. Contreras as not only an incredible teacher, but also a genuinely kind and inspiring person. Even though I had her back in 4th grade, the impact she made on me has stayed with me all these years. She always encouraged me to push myself and try my hardest, and I’m truly grateful I had the chance to be one of her students. Her constant smile and positive attitude made a lasting impression, and I still think of her fondly now as a junior in high school. I found myself randomly thinking about her today and was reminded of the sad news of her passing, and digging through the internet led me here. My heart goes out to her loved ones. She will always be remembered warmly.

Sheri Langford & SandyNaatz

Our hearts and prayers go out to you Michelle, and Kena’s family during the difficult time. Please accept our deepest condolences and may our prayers help comfort you.

Alma chavira

Mi mas sentido pesame a toda la familia en este dolor tan grande por el cual estan pasando pero sabemos que hay una promesa de parte de nuestro Dios y esa es volvernos a ver algun dia,nuestras oraciones por paz y fortaleza les abrazamos

Kathy Geuther

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear. My thoughts and prayers are with you Michelle, and Kena’s family, always.

Farwa Batool

You will be always missed, my friend. May you rest in eternal peace.

Farwa Batool

My thought and prayers are with Kena and her entire family. May she rest in eternal peace. Amen

José ch

Mis mas profundas condolencias para la familia sabiendo k Dios tiene todo en control descansando por fe en sus promesas orando por k Dios les fortalece en todo momento

Familia Macías Montes

Nuestras profundas condolencias para la familia, nuestras oraciones por fortaleza y consuelo por la partida con el Señor de nuestra sobrina y prima Kena, los abrazamos en el.amir de Cristo

Mario Valenzuela

KENA aunque te fuiste a vivir a otro país, cuando éramos muy pequeños; vivimos muy cercanos. Compartimos nuestra infancia siempre jugando y divirtiéndonos. Nadamos, jugamos carreras en bicicleta, juegos de mesa, nos escribíamos cartas haciendo planes para las vacaciones de verano…. Ahora hiciste el mejor viaje de tu vida, aunque te mudaste a vivir a mi corazón ya te extraño. Dios te Bendiga y haga resplandecer su rostro sobre ti Querida Prima. Descansa en Paz ??

Holly Marshall

May God have mercy on Kena’s beautiful soul. My thought and prayers are with Kena and the entire family. My deepest condolences.

❦

Provided by

Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery