Cuca L Merino-Trader

If you ever find yourself walking barefoot in Cuca’s kitchen, Stop. Somewhere, somehow, Cuca Merino-Trader will sense it, and she will not approve. “Put on your shoes, there are scorpions”

she’d say, equal parts command and care. That was Cuca: equal parts strength and love, warmth and willpower, a force of nature wrapped in a sparkly purple outfit and a pair of dancing shoes.

Born at home in Clifton, Arizona on November 20, 1940, Cuca spent 84 vibrant years building community wherever she went– in her living room, her church, and every dance floor from Tucson to heaven. She entered eternal life on October 21, 2025, surrounded by the love she had so freely given.

Known as the matriarch of the family, Cuca hosted with gusto. Her home was never too full, her tamale pot never too small, and her heart never too tired to make room for one more chair at the table. She made sure everyone was warm and nurtured in her selfless, kindhearted way.

Cuca loved to dance– and if you were nearby, she made sure you danced, too. Her joy was irresistible, her rhythm unstoppable. She had a knack for banter, especially with those who dared cheer for other teams other than her beloved Dallas Cowboys or Arizona Wildcats. If you were a Sun Devil, may God have mercy on your soul.

A proud Mexican-American woman of Catholic faith, Cuca carried her heritage and her rosary with pride. She taught her children and grandchildren that women can be powerhouses, that homes are meant to be open, and that family is something you build, not just something you’re born into.

Professionally, she brought that same mix of order and warmth to her work as Financial Deputy Clerk for the U.S. District Court and later as Office Manager at St. Ambrose Parish, keeping the wheels turning and spirits lifted wherever she went. A longtime parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima, she lived her faith not just in prayer, but in action: feeding, welcoming, comforting, and laughing.

Cuca’s loving legacy continues through her husband Jim Trader; her children Yvette Jordan (husband Jeff; granddaughters Brittany Mauney and Erin Brown); Yvonne Hendrix (husband Rick; grandchildren Justin and Danielle); James Merino (Veronica), and J.D. Trader (wife Kelley); and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Andrea Britt, Virginia Gill, David Perez, Juan Lara, and Carol Salcido, and joins in eternal rest her parents, Andres Lara and Dora Avina Lara, and siblings Emilio Lara, Mary Helen Rios, Ophelia Espinoza, and Johnny Verdugo.

A Mass celebrating Cuca’s life will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on November 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by graveside services and a reception at South Lawn Cemetery.

In her honor, dance a little. Feed someone. Put on some football. And for heaven’s sake, put on your shoes.