Aurelia (Nana) was born on May 19, 1922 on a small ranch in Sasabe Arizona as one of 10 children born to Crisolfo and Luisa Araiza. She was just a little girl when she met her late husband Manuel (Tata) and he told her at just 10 years old that he was going to marry her when they grew up. Nana held Tata to his promise, and on June 20th,1942 they were married. They went on to have 4 beloved children together. Aurelia was an avid horse racing fan and could usually be found in the grandstands cheering on her husband, sons, son-in-law,  grandson, and countless nephews and cousins who followed the horse racing legacy started by her husband and his brothers. Everyone knows she always bet on the mora. Aurelia spent many years traveling across the country alongside her husband and many more years taking care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She loved spending time with family and friends. Whether it was watching the Preakness, or a boxing match (Nana always picks a certain boxer to win), or just enjoying good food together, she was happiest when she was in the company of those she loved so dearly. She is survived by her children: Adelina (Edward) Portillo, Georgie (Manny) Ortiz, and Louie Figueroa as well as former daughters in law Phyllis Noland and Sandra Parrent who she cherished dearly. She endlessly enjoyed the love and care of her grandchildren: Manny "Rebel" (Laura), Yvonne (Joseph), Martin, Frank, Shannon (Anthony), Angel, CJ (Courtney), Schae (Ed) , Anna (Shane), Wade (Maggie), Kristie (Kenneth), Kodie (George). She is also the great grandmother to Gilbert, Matthew, Damian, Lucia, Anysia, JJ, Isaiah, Mariah, Averie. Tayla, Trinity, Kris, Alma, Cruz, Ophelia, Kyleigh, Aaliyah, Clay, Kenny, Kayla, Kassandra, Krista, Chase, Chandler, Autumn, Chance, and Chayden. Her great grand-daughter Lucia worked tirelessly and lovingly to care for her day and night, as well as her other great granddaughter Anysia who regularly stepped in to care for her. Aurelia regularly said that they were the best nurses she could ever have. Aurelia also boasted having several great-great grandchildren that were always in her thoughts and in her heart..

Aurelia was preceded in death by her beloved viejo Manuel Figueroa Sr, her cherished oldest son Manny Figueroa Jr, and her treasured grandson Manny (Mogie) Ortiz Jr whom she adored with all of her heart. We know that on February 2, 2025 these three beloved souls joyously welcomed and ushered her into the heavenly gates and she is now at peace.

Her viewing will be held on February 14th 2025 from 8:00am to 9:30 am at Carillo's Tucson Mortuary located at 204 S Stone Ave Tucson, AZ 85701. Rosary and Mass will follow at St John's the Evangelist Church from 10:00am to 11:30am and she will be laid to rest next to her husband at Holy Hope Cemetery at 3555 N Oracle Rd Tucson AZ  85705. Refreshments to follow at the Marine Corp League @ 216 E. 29th St, Tucson, AZ 85713.