Maxine Elizabeth Ulibarri

Maxine Elizabeth Marez was born in Pueblo, Colorado on April 7, 1961. She later became Maxine Elizabeth Ulibarri when she married her soulmate, Michael Ulibarri. Together, they raised two loving children, Savannah and Jared, and cherished the memory of their son Michael Alexander Ulibarri, whom they lost on Christmas of 1989. The family made their home in Denver, Colorado before eventually returning to Pueblo, where Maxine served as a Psych-Tech at the State Hospital. Above all else, her family was her greatest love—she often referred to them as her miracles.

Maxine was a remarkable survivor. She battled cancer victoriously and endured open-heart surgery during which her heart stopped on three separate occasions. The doctors were consistently amazed that Maxine lived well beyond their medical expectations, but as she would say, "Who's a doctor when God's in control?"

A woman of many passions, Maxine loved to cook and create—making quilts, curtains, and various handcrafted items. She found joy in music and basking in the sunshine of warm Pueblo days. Some of her favorite moments were simply sitting on the porch with Michael during rainstorms. Maxine was an enthusiastic Colorado sports fan who delighted in watching Arron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos with her family gathered around her.

Her adventurous spirit led her to many concerts and trips to her favorite city, Las Vegas. In her later years, Maxine fulfilled lifelong dreams by visiting bucket list destinations including Nashville, Tennessee and Disney World. Maxine embraced unexpected joys and treasured countless adventures with her loved ones. No matter how she felt physically, she always found the strength to be present when her family needed her. Perhaps her greatest joy was being "LaLa" to her three beloved granddaughters—Adessa, Gabriella, and Mia—whom she adored with all her heart. She lived for gatherings with family and friends—barbecues, holidays, birthdays, and many other celebrations where memories were made.

Maxine is preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Michael Ulibarri; her son Michael Alexander; her father Cristobal Marez; her mother Manualita Marez; her brother Dave Marez; and her grandson Julius Sanchez. She is survived by her two children: Savannah (Jason) Sanchez and Jared (Alyssa) Ulibarri, who carry forward her legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family.

A visitation for Maxine will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Imperial Funeral Home, 5450 Highway 78 West, Pueblo, CO 81005. A Funeral Service will occur Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5450 Highway 78 West, Pueblo, CO 81005. A Graveside Service will occur Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Imperial Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery, 5450 CO-78, Pueblo, CO 81005.