BISBEE — “It’s not easy for us to say goodbye to this beautiful boy,” said Deacon Tony Underwood.

No, it wasn’t easy for the child’s mother, Francisca Marquez, her family, or the friends who packed St. Patrick Catholic Church in Old Bisbee on Tuesday morning to say goodbye to Victor Xavier SanzAnton, the 20-month-old boy who was killed in a fire last Wednesday.

Mothers with tear-stained cheeks pulled their children just a bit closer and brushed their lips gently across cheeks and foreheads.

Four staunch police officers choked back tears. It is hard to make sense of it all. The lost life that so many tried so valiantly to save. But this was the time to remember him in life, short as it was and to trust that God had some plan that perhaps someday would make sense.

“She’s a strong woman,” said Marquez’s friend and employer Debbie Linden after the funeral. “God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle.”

Linden said Marquez had only been in the mobile home for a few months. Before that she had lived in an apartment complex in San Jose. But when a man was killed in front of her apartment building, she decided it was time to get out and live someplace safe where she could raise her boys.

Linden and her husband, Jack, were helping Marquez. They were impressed by her work ethic and devotion to her children and father. “Frankie is a great person. She works hard to care for her sons and her father,” Linden added. Marquez had been caring for her 87-year-old father, Ramon Salazar, as well. The children were in his care when the fire started. “He’s absolutely devastated,” Linden said. “He loved those boys so much. He is having a very hard time right now.”

It’s difficult to imagine losing a child and everything you own in one tragic moment. But thanks to many members of the community, she may find the task of rebuilding her life a bit easier. “Donations have been coming in here at Bisbee Beverage since the day of the fire. That has helped keep her and Robert fed and clothed” Linden said.

Private citizens have been donating to the two funds that have been set up for Marquez at the First National Bank of Arizona and Bank of America. Others have offered household items and clothing. Sierra Vistan Barb Gerdes has offered furniture from a home her sister bought.

And it’s not just private citizens offering a hand up. It’s also Freeport McMoRan/Phelps Dodge and the Bisbee Police Department and St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Underwood said the parish will hold a fundraiser in a few weeks, and the parish will match what is raised.

“Frankie is planning on saving every penny from the bank accounts for a little house in Bisbee,” Linden said. “That may be hard to find.” Though Marquez works two jobs — she also works at the Copper Queen Hotel restaurant — finding affordable housing in Bisbee isn’t an easy task. Still, Linden and Marquez are hopeful. And the help continues. “We had someone drop off a toaster at the drive-through window,” Linden said. “I called up Francisca and told her to cross it off her list. The generosity of the people here has been wonderful. They have really helped a hard-working mother who wants to provide for her family. She is so grateful.”

How to help

Accounts have been set up at the First National Bank of Arizona and Bank of America in Bisbee. To donate through First National, make checks payable to the Francisca Marquez Family Fund. To donate through Bank of America, make checks payable to Francisca Marquez Assisted Fund. Donations can be made at any First National or Bank of America locations. Furniture and household items can be dropped off at the storage facility on Highway 92 near Bisbee Beverage.

For information, call Debbie Linden at 432-4435.