Maria Elena Tadeo of Tucson, Arizona, was called home to the Lord on June 18, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank T. Tadeo; her parents, Mario Solano and Lydia Solano-Tapia; and her cherished niece, Yvette Solano-Tapia.

She is survived by her children, Rene and Vanessa Martinez; her grandchildren, Rene and Jenna; her great-grandchildren, Camila and Zara; and her siblings, Olivia Durazo, Gloria Solano, Mario Solano, Blanca Martinez, Sylvia Solano-Guillen, Sonya Tirado, Frank Solano, and Christine Sanders, along with their spouses. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Following the loss of her mother, Maria Elena stepped into a role of responsibility for her brothers and sisters, carrying it with pride throughout her life. She became the person everyone turned to for guidance, support, and love.

A woman of deep faith, Maria Elena was nurturing and warm, yet direct, honest, fiercely independent, and never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. To her beloved husband Frank, she was his “Reina.” With a quick wit and sharp sense of humor, she had a way of speaking her mind that could make you laugh while keeping you grounded. Those who knew her best admired the dignity and grace with which she carried herself throughout her life. Honored as Reina de las Fiestas Patrias as a young woman, she remained a woman of remarkable beauty and pride throughout her life.

For more than 30 years, Maria Elena owned and operated the hair salon at Cascades of Tucson, where she built lifelong friendships and earned the admiration of coworkers, clients, and friends alike. She loved cooking for family and never turned down a bag of Lay's potato chips. Dancing was where she was happiest. Those closest to her often said she had the patience of a saint until you pushed her too far. She took great pride in her appearance and was especially particular about her hair, a trait her family remembers with a smile.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Maria Elena's life on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with the Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary, 204 S. Stone Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1220 South 6th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85713. Interment will immediately follow at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 North Oracle Road, Tucson, Arizona 85705.

Maria Elena lived up to the meaning of her name: a light to those around her, beautiful in spirit, and steadfast in her faith. Her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.