Maria de Jesus Sierra

On Thursday, July 30, 2026, our beloved mother, Maria de Jesus Sierra, peacefully gained her golden angel wings at the age of 84 and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, surrounded by the love of her family.

Maria was born on July 10, 1942, to her loving parents, Manuel and Leonor Salazar, and was one of nine children. Throughout her life, she exemplified kindness, unwavering faith, strength, and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Leonor Salazar; her beloved son, Jose Hernandez; her brothers, Guillermo “Willie” Espinoza, Francisco “Pancho” Espinoza, and Manuel Salazar; her sisters, Tomasa “Tami,” Carmen, and Eleanor “Monchi”; her brother-in-law, Oscar Noriega; and her sister-in-law, Guadalupe Espinoza.

Maria leaves behind the love of her life, her devoted husband, Simon P. Sierra; her children, Jesus Hernandez, Leonor Robinson, Rosa Brown, Connie (Andy) Behrens, Jenny Valenzuela, and bonus daughter, Christina (Ron) Yubeta. She is also survived by her sisters, Manuela Rocha and Guadalupe Noriega.

She was the proud grandmother of 26 grandchildren: Vanessa, Richard, Sonia, Alexandria, David, Valerie, Joseph (Elizabeth), Joseph H., Raymond, Anne-Janet (Taylor), Matthew, Martha, Irving, Monique, Serina, Anthony, Rebecca, Orlando, Angelina, Kassandra, Mark, Isabel, Serena (Albert), Adrian, Jasmine, and Noah.

She was also blessed with 32 great-grandchildren: Manuelito, Andres, Anaya, Sofia, Zoey, Nicholas, Amaya, Jazmine, Kimberly, Joseph III, Sophia, Aria T. Z., Julian, Jayden, Jordan, Natalie, Eliianie, Scarlet, Violet Sandoval, Dahlia, Azaleas, Romeo, Aaliyah, Jayla, David, Amara, Arianna, Araceli, Ari, and Ava, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Maria dedicated many years of service to the University of Arizona Student Union, where she worked in the deli. She found joy in preparing sandwiches for students and staff, always greeting others with kindness and a warm smile. Her greatest love was her faith in God. She faithfully read her Bible every day and remained steadfast in her beliefs throughout her life.

In her free time, Maria enjoyed taking peaceful walks with her husband through Reid Park. At home, she loved watching her favorite television shows, sewing, crocheting, and spending precious time with those she loved most.

Our mother will forever be deeply loved, greatly missed, and remembered for her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, unwavering faith, and the countless lives she touched. Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on through her family for generations to come.

Mom, thank you for your endless love, your wisdom, your prayers, and your sacrifices. We are forever grateful that God blessed us with you. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing you are at peace in His loving embrace. Until we meet again, you will forever remain in our hearts.

On behalf of the Sierra and Hernandez families, thank you to everyone for your prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. We are forever grateful to have had Maria de Jesus Sierra in our lives.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts. 💜