Mary Ellen Leon, 80, passed away peacefully on February 26,2023. Mary Ellen (Bertoglio-Torres) was born in Tombstone, AZ to Amelia Torres and Steven Bertoglio. She was the youngest of 4 siblings.

Mary's family relocated to Superior, Az when Mary was young. Mary lived off Old Phoenix Rd. in Superior and walked daily to and from school. Now, I don't know if she was always running late, but I was told she walked quite fast. Some local boys also noticed her fast pace and called her "Beep Beep." The nickname stayed with her even  beyond her graduating from Superior High School. She always said how she was blessed to have lived close to her extended family-The Ruiz's and Denogean's.

Mary moved to Tucson after graduating. She then met Alex Leon. They married and would go on to have three children. Greg, Suzanne and WIlliam.

Mary started working at "KTKT" radio station, then went on to Sears, Roebuck & Co. But it was not until she began working at "Tucson Free Health Clinic'' that she found her calling in the healthcare field. Mary moved on to a new, startup clinic called El Rio Neighborhood Health Center. That was when it originally opened its doors at the former Mother Higgens Juvenile Detention Center until it moved to its present-day location. Mary enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with El Rio N.H.C for over 25 yrs. until she retired due to health reasons.

Mary had several interests and hobbies. Plants and herbs fascinated her. She was a true "green thumb." Her knowledge of homeopathic medicine was well known. She was also a great cook and amongst close friends she was given the nickname of, "Betty Crocker." Her signature dishes were her Soy Sauce Chicken, Sopita, Macaroni and Cheese and her Famous Cinnamon tea. But Mary's foremost passion was her love for family. She absolutely adored her grandkids and before her passing wished she could have more time with them.She was a humble, loyal servant of God. She prayed daily, hourly for family, friends, and those in need. Mary's constant was her love for her family and devotion to God

She is preceded in death by her eldest son Greg Leon. Her siblings Bertha (Art)Leon, Edward (Jessie)Bertoglio, Joseph (Cecilia)Bertoglio.

She is survived by her daughter Suzanne "China" Leon and son William "Billy" Leon. Grandchildren Gilbert, Nicholas, Alexandra "Alex" Leon, Sarah Epperson Romero (Rene), Samantha Epperson (Bella) and Tristen Epperson Evans (Kyle). Great grandchildren Natalie Leon, Emma Romero, Ruben Romero and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Many thanks to nephew Steve Gonzales, Casa de La Luz Hospice and Frances Residential Care.