Maria Jesus Rivas Lona "Chuy"

Maria Jesus “Chuy” Lona was born in Sabinto Mocorito, Sinaloa, Mexico on February 5, 1942. Along with her four sisters and one brother, were raised by their parents Camilo and Inez on a family ranch. In her youth, she was a talented seamstress and created beautiful dresses for friends and family. Early each morning, she loved watering her rose bushes, guava, fig, pomegranate, and citrus trees. This was her alone time and helped her focus on God’s beauty. She loved listening to music ranging from ranchero, banda, corridos, mariachi and country music daily.

She met and married Estanislao Lona. He helped raised her four young children from a previous marriage. Together they had a set of fraternal twins Rebecca and Irma. At the unexpected age of 42, Maria gave birth to Denise. She was a loving and dedicated mother to seven children and two adopted sons; Carmen (Robert), Javier (Bianca), Sonia, Rosa, Rebecca (Aaron), Irma (Jeff), Denise (Lance), Joaquin (Irma), Stanley (Hilda); grandchildren, Krystal, Daniel, Ashly, Sanaya, Victoria, Taylor, Kassandra, Andrew, Jorden, Cynthia, Joaquin, Andrea, Selena, and great grandchild Kamilla.

Maria joined her husband, Estanislao, in realizing his dream of opening an authentic Mexican bakery named El Triunfo Bakery and Tortilleria near Valencia and Nogales HWY on July of 1989. The name translates to triumph in English and gave a sense of hope for their family. She decided to sell her family’s flour tortilla recipe to the public. The tortillas are still hand stretch and cooked on a griddle the old fashion way. Customers continue to love the piping hot and aromatic tortillas. As business improved, they expanded to include their award winning Mexican hotdog buns to local vendors.

Maria was a member of the Jehovah Witness Spanish Congregation for many years. She knew how important it was to apply bible principles in one’s life to have a successful and happy life.

Our mother was a giving person and touched many peoples’ lives in the community. She will be truly missed. We love and miss you dearly! Love you, con mucho amor!

El Triunfo Bakery and Tortilleria will be closing for the first time in 25 years on Wednesday to allow friends and family to celebrate the legacy Chuy has left for us.