On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, Francesca Viviana Portillo Espinosa, fondly known by family as "Kika," passed away surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 42.

A native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Francesca graduated from Oñate High School in 2001, where she was an honor student, varsity soccer player, and exceptionally talented artist.

From a very young age, her passion for animals was clear. She volunteered as a dog trainer for Search and Rescue in her teenage years and went on to receive her degree as a Veterinary Technician. She worked at several local veterinary offices before opening her pet-sitting business, "Pet Services of Las Cruces."

Francesca also had a love for photography and was often seen with her camera at family gatherings and at her children's concerts or events, capturing the moments that meant the most to her.

Her heart for helping others never stopped at animals—she also spent many years as a caregiver, touching lives with her compassionate nature before returning to her first love, caring for pets.

A devoted single mother, her greatest joy in life was her two children. She poured her heart into giving them all the love, strength, and wisdom she had. Together, they shared countless memories—having family game nights, playing with their pets, and finding joy in the simplest moments. Her children were her world, and she made sure they always knew how deeply they were loved.

She will be remembered for her kind heart, witty humor, and the way she could make friends everywhere she went.

Those left to mourn her include her two children, Robert Rivera and Mikayla Espinosa; her father, Giuseppe Portillo; stepmother, Jan McClure Portillo; her sister, Anamaria Portillo of Las Cruces; her brother, Dylan Davis (Britt) of Broussard, Louisiana; her nephews, Aiden and Austin Lopez; and numerous family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Francesca was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine Stitt Portillo Cisneros.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 14th at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the familyrequests donations be made to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in Francesca's honor. https://shaspets.com/

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com