Maria Cruz Leon

On January 16th, 2025, Maria Cruz Jaurigue León ascended into heaven and was embraced by our Heavenly Father at Loma Linda Hospital. Maria lived a remarkable life, devoted to her culture, community, friends, and, above all, her husband and daughters.

Maria was the youngest daughter of Jesús and Irene Jaurigue. She cherished her adolescence at Hacienda Maria Cruz in Mexico and her childhood home on 7th Street in San Bernardino. Maria enjoyed her time with her mother, sister Antoinette Alvarez, and grandmother.

As an adult, she sought community activism by joining organizations that advanced awareness of Chicano culture. She was a member of the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA), which sought to increase Mexican Americans' political representation and challenged systemic inequalities.

Maria was an accomplished educator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from California State University, San Bernardino. Her passion for learning led her to pursue her dream of becoming an educator, earning her master's degree and teaching credential from Azusa Pacific University. As a lifelong learner, she continued to take postgraduate courses to further her education. Maria was an educator for thirty-eight years, teaching in the San Bernardino School District, Rialto Unified School District, and Riverside Unified School District. She was proud to be a Chicana educator and mentored many other women as they ventured into the credential program through the University of California, Riverside. Maria often said, "I am a teacher's teacher," a testament to her dedication to mentoring and shaping future educators.

In the winter of 1976, Maria married the love of her life, Richard León. Their love was a testament to their strength and devotion to one another. Maria and Richard were a beautiful couple who created a legacy rich in love, loyalty, and respect. As a couple, they fostered their appreciation for family activities. They spent their weekends as team mom and coach for their daughter's softball or soccer team. They shared many experiences, such as traveling to Europe and Mexico, cruise adventures, and exploring museums with their girls. Richard and Maria were devout Roman Catholics. They shared their faith in Christ with their four daughters: Noelle León, Teresa Clark, Laura León, and Jessica Ayala. They were also committed godparents to many loved ones. Maria held a special relationship with her mother Irene, her sister Antoinette Alvarez, and her brother-in-law Jesús Alvarez. She adored her time with her nieces and nephews.

After the passing of her beloved husband Richard León in 2009, Maria continued her love of having a good time and helping her family, taking care of her grandchildren. Maria's vibrant personality kept her busy with her trusted friends, and her passion for shopping ensured she could always find a good deal whenever she went out. Her weekend escapades included visiting amusement parks, spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, eating her favorite foods, spending time with extended family, dancing with her friends, attending mass, and spending time with her daughters. Maria's presence will forever be missed. She filled her final years with loved ones that helped her ease her time on earth. Maria lived a complete life; although she was taken to heaven early, she is a powerful force that can never be forgotten. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Maria was blessed with grandchildren who brought her immense joy : Rocco Escobar, Joey Clark, Valentino Escobar, Thomas Clark, Richard León, Anastasia Clark, Jolie Ayala, Violett Clark, and Lilly Clark. Her love and wisdom touched her grandchildren's lives, and they will forever cherish their memories with her. She is also survived by her sons-in-law James Ayala and Joseph Clark Sr.

The León daughters invite family and friends to celebrate Maria's life at her viewing on February 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Montecito Memorial Park. A mass will be held on February 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Grand Terrace, followed by interment at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery. The family would like everyone to come to Maria's house for her final reception, 22799 Desoto St. Grand Terrace, 92313.