With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Maria Irma Valencia, 92, of Tucson, AZ. She peacefully entered eternal rest on June 13, 2025.

Mom was born on a ranch in Agua Verde, Sinaloa, Mexico, where she helped with ranch responsibilities, learned to cook and created many fun filled, childhood memories. She loved making people laugh and often told funny stories. Always adventurous, she once fell into a 15' deep well, and another time she fell eight feet down from a bakery window while attempting to take sweet bread—miraculously recovering from both incidents.

In her early 20's, after the birth of her first son, she moved to Cuidad Obregón for a short period before immigrating to the United States. She persisted her journey in establishing a firm life for herself and her son and began working as a housemaid in Nogales, AZ. Fifteen years later, she married her late husband, Ernesto, had her second son and moved to Tucson, AZ, where she continued to provide financial support for her family and worked several years at a linen supply company until retirement.

She deeply loved spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. She was generous, and kind-hearted, always ready to help others. Her altruistic nature led her to offer support to those in need, especially the less fortunate. Mom was an exceptional cook; enjoyed preparing and sharing holiday meals with friends and family, and had a talent for gardening, growing and caring for her beautiful plants. She also had a passion for music and dance. Vicente Fernandez, one of her favorite singers, inspired her to encourage her son, Armando, to sing Mariachi music.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her and remembered for her dedication and love of God, family, friends and the community. Te queremos mucha mamá y siempre recordaremos con cariño el tiempo que pasamos contigo. (We love you Mom, and we will always cherish the time we had with you.)

She is survived by her sons, Carlos Favela Sr. (Margaret) Armando Ernesto Valencia (Marissa); grandchildren, Carlos Favela Jr. (Kristin), Mario Favela (Lisa), Armando Valencia Jr., Andrea Valencia and Gabriel Alvarez; eight great grandchildren, Mario Andres, Mia, Isabel, Aimee, Alessandra, Eliana, James, and Nora Favela. She also leaves behind nieces, Cecilia Favela, Minerva Celaya & family; great nieces, Adriana Panos (Mat) and Rocio Ortega (Dan); great nephew, Mario Armando De'Gives (Brenda); many more great nieces and nephews, and devoted caregivers, Betty Torres and Helda & Arnold Obregon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernesto Valencia; her parents, Amelia Arráyales and Carlos Favela; brothers, Carlos, Enrique, Beto and Manuel Favela; sisters, Mela and Estella, and several nieces and nephews.