Ana Alicia Valencia Ibarra passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024 surrounded by family members. She was born in 1941 in Cananea, Sonora, Mexico to Jose Ibarra and Manuela Carrasco. She is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Antonio Valencia, her parents, sister Maria Elena Ibarra de Vera, brother, Francisco Ibarra and son-in-law, Fernando Romero. She is survived by her children, Sandra (Fernando †), Pepe (Cindy), Manny (Ana) and Jorge (Valerie); grandchildren, Daniel and Sabeana Romero, Selena Valencia-Salazar (Derek) and Alex Valencia and Lucas and Teah Valencia; great-grandchild, Xander Romero. Brother, Jose Luis Ibarra (Ernestina); sisters, Berta (Ernesto †) Aguilar and Yolanda (Roberto †) Valenzuela. Her enduring love of her husband, children, siblings, nephews, nieces and countless friends will live on forever.

MaAna, as she was called affectionately, by her grandchildren and great-grandchild, lived her early life in Cananea and later moved to Nogales, Sonora, Mexico where she met the love of her life and husband of 58 years. She relocated with her husband and children to Tucson, Arizona in 1969 where she remained a resident until her passing.

MaAna was a dedicated wife and mother who among many skills was a wonderful cook. Who will ever forget the outstanding dishes such as carne con chile, meat and corn tamales, arroz con leche, Mexican rice and beans, tortillas and one of a kind pumpkin empanadas?

We loved you because you were the epitome of a proud, strong and independent woman  as you demonstrated by example of all of us. She had that knack of never backing down from anyone regardless of her limited education or language barrier.

MaAna was a generous and compassionate soul who always wanted to help people in need. For years she would send extra change or dollar bills to Catholic missionaries and St. Jude. Growing up we remember countless relatives and friends who found temporary refuge at our family residence whenever they needed a place to stay.  You were a dedicated member of your church, always assisting with fundraising events and serving as a mass lector for a number of years.

Mom, you made our home such a welcoming spot in the neighborhood that numerous childhood friends of ours considered you their adopted mother and likewise you loved them all as you would your own children. We are forever grateful to them for their constant love and support all of these years.

We are forever grateful to you for being our father's caretaker prior to his passing when he was diagnosed with dementia. Following his passing you were diagnosed with the same affliction, however, your resiliency never wavered even at the end of your beautiful life. You will always be a huge part of our lives and we will keep you close to our hearts. "Te queremos un chingo!"

Thank you to her caretakers Lety and Regina for their patience, love and support. We appreciate all the support and assistance we received from Agape Hospice services and their staff.

También queremos agradecer a Yoly Juarez, la comadre de nuestra madre, que viajó desde México en muchas ocasiones para visitar, pasar tiempo y cuidarla en su casa. El amor y el cuidado que le mostró durante su enfermedad nunca será olvidado. Gracias Yoly por todo.