Maria Valdez passed away on September 9, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.  Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was born in Ajo, Arizona and graduated from Ajo High School (class of 1962).  It is there where she met the love of her life and husband of 61 years, Jose R. Valdez.  Their amazing love story began in Ajo, as high school sweethearts, where they made a home and raised four sons.

After moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1985, Maria worked proudly for many years as a Teacher's Aide for the Tucson Unified School District.  Her passions in life included playing the piano, painting, decorating for the holidays and spending time with her family and friends.   She was also an avid Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns and Arizona Wildcats fan.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jose "Pelon" Valdez, and her four sons, Mike (Barb), Rick (Sheila), Ray (Erlinda), and Victor (Adrianna). She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

If you were blessed to have been part of Maria's path in life, you would know that she was a kind and caring soul.  In life as in death, she will be remembered and cherished forever.