In Loving Memory

of

Irene “Honey” Moreno

July 31st , 1935- August 24th , 2026

With profound love and gratitude for a life richly lived, we announce the passing of Irene "Honey" Moreno, a beloved matriarch, respected tribal elder, and proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. She passed away peacefully on August 24th in Tucson, at the age of 91.

She was born at home in Eloy, Arizona in 1935 to her parents Lucio and Miquela Matus. Irene spent much of her early years in Tucson’s Barrio Libre and Old Pascua communities. A self-proclaimed, “tom boy,” she remembered her childhood as joyful. She was given the nickname “Honey” due to her naturally auburn colored hair. She met the man who would become her husband, Fernando Moreno, and the two were married before being blessed with 9 children. During this she became a founding resident of the New Pascua Reservation. Following the tribe's federal recognition, she served as a member of the first tribal council, helping lay the groundwork for her people's future. Her commitment to the Pascua Yaqui community never wavered, later serving on the Council of Elders, devoting herself to strengthening her community and preserving its traditions. She helped lay the foundation for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe as it grew into the vibrant community it is today.

For all she accomplished in public life, her greatest joy was her family. She raised her nine children with unwavering love and determination, creating a home where family always came first. She found strength in her Catholic faith which allowed her to persevere through hardships and devote herself to the wellbeing of her family. This strong commitment to family led her to help raise grandchildren when called upon. Her home was a place of belonging, encouragement, and laughter. Those who knew Honey remember her quick wit, her sharp mind, her humor, and her gift for conversation. A voracious reader, she was proud to say she would read up to 2 novels in a week in both Spanish and English. Perhaps, this, and her word puzzles, are what kept her mind sharp until the end. In her presence people found honesty, compassion, and wisdom. She believed deeply in perseverance, hard work and education. In the end, her greatest legacy is the family she leaves behind, strong in faith and full of the lessons she left us with. As she taught us, our Faith will get us through.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucio and Miquela Matus, husband Fernando Moreno, sister Carmen Cisneros, brothers Vicente and Raul Matus, son Fernando Moreno Jr, daughter Georgina Moreno, and her grandsons Charlie M. Quihuis, Dominic Soto, Fernando Moreno III, Miguel Rodriguez, and David Moreno. She is survived by her children, Evangelina and Charles Quihuis, Jennie Shelby, Leticia and Kip Dunn, Patricia Moreno, Rudy Moreno, Paul Moreno and Marc Moreno and 27 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren whose lives were enriched by her love.

Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Irene's life and legacy through the traditions she held dear. By her request– a traditional Yaqui all-night vigil will be held on Sunday, September 13th at Cristo Rey Church with the viewing at 4PM, rosary at 6PM and Catholic Mass to follow on Monday, September 14th at 8AM with gravesite service to follow at Monte Calvario Cemetery. A traditional Yaqui Luto will then be held with details to follow. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Honey to join in prayer and traditional observance as we honor her life and accompany her on her journey home.

Though the family is devastated by her passing we find comfort in the many years and many memories we are blessed to have had. Her spirit lives on in every story, every tradition, and every life that she touched. May Irene 'Honey' Moreno rest in the eternal peace she earned.