Mary “Cuca” G. Tallabas, 93, passed away on May 27, 2026. Born June 14, 1932, Cuca will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who were fortunate to know her. A resident of Tempe, Arizona, she leaves a legacy rooted in devotion to family, a steady generosity of spirit, and the quiet strength of a life spent caring for others.
Cuca carried a great sense of humor that brightened ordinary moments and brought comfort in difficult ones. Her love for her family was constant and unmistakable, expressed not in grand gestures, but in the everyday ways she showed up—looking after people, making sure no one went without, and offering warmth that made others feel at home. Her heart for others was evident in the way she gave of herself, again and again, with patience and sincerity.
Home was one of Cuca’s great joys. She took pride in decorating for the holidays, filling her space with the spirit of the season and the kind of welcome that made gatherings feel special. For 30 years she lived in Barrio, a chapter of life that remained part of her story and her roots. She also loved the outdoors, especially camping at Paradise Creek, where time together and simple pleasures became lasting memories.
Cuca’s care was perhaps most famously felt through her cooking. She loved to cook—especially posole and enchiladas—and she made the holidays a true feast of tradition and togetherness. At Christmas and Thanksgiving, she cooked for the family, including tamales that carried not only flavor, but love, history, and the joy of being together around the table.
She also cherished seeing the world beyond home. Cuca loved to travel, including cruises and trips to Wisconsin, Hawaii, and Washington D.C., embracing each journey with appreciation and a spirit that found delight in new places and shared experiences.
Visitation will be held at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, on June 18, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 E Libra Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283, on June 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Committal will follow at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, on June 19, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. Cuca’s final resting place will be Resthaven Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 E. Southern Ave, Phoenix.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Flores III, Richard Figueroa Jr., Anthony Figueroa, Christian Tarazon, Gregory Tarazon, Eddie Gonzales, Dylan Lairmore, Austin Lairmore, Micah Figueroa, and Gavin Sakalauski. Honorary pallbearers will be Carlos Rada and Elyjah Rada.
Cuca will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered—for her humor, her steadfast care, her holiday traditions, and the nourishing comfort she brought to family life. Her presence remains in the meals shared, the celebrations made brighter, and the many lives she touched with her enduring kindness.
