Maria Isabel Marquez

Born on March 26, 1952, in Nogales, Sonora, Maria was the beloved daughter of Francisco and Lupe Cota. She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from Carl Hayden High School in 1971.

Maria married Juan Marquez on November 3, 1973, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and memories. She was a devoted mother to John, Jerry, Luciano, and Alexandra Marquez.

She is a cherished grandmother to many grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her warm and gentle heart, unwavering strength, and sense of humor and for all the times she spent cooking for her family. Maria showed her love through food by always cooking for others and enjoyed spending her time with family and friends. She spent many years taking care of children, with open arms and an open heart, she welcomed children into her home, offering them warmth, guidance, and the kind of steady love that shapes a lifetime. Maria gave freely without expectation, believing every child deserved to feel valued and cared for.

Maria is survived by her husband, Juan Marquez; her children, John, Jerry, and Alexandra Marquez; and her grandchildren, Jacob, Julian, Giada, and Giovanni Marquez. She is preceded in death by her beloved son, Luciano Marquez.

Her love, wisdom, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life reminds us that family is not defined by blood, but by the bonds we choose to nurture. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will live on in the lives she helped shape.