Maria Siqueiros Pereyda

Our beloved Mother and Nana passed away on December 13, 2024 in her home, surrounded by loved ones and the smells and noises of a busy household. Chimi thrived when her house was full and when she was feeding everyone. Food and cooking for others was her love language. Getting her to verbalize a recipe, however, was impossible because she never used standard measuring cups or tools—when questioned her response was “un poquito”, “un puñalito “, “una cucharadita”. Many of us attempted to trick her by having her place spices or other ingredients into containers in an attempt to get to a measure but she would have none of it. No matter how many versions have been attempted, no one quite got that special magic she infused meals with. Neither our lives nor our food will ever be the same without our Chimi.

She is survived by her children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, brothers, her sister, a large and diverse group of friends and extended family. She was the matriarch; she kept us together and she will be missed every day.

Rest in Peace Mami, hope you are cooking up a storm in the big kitchen in the sky.

Nuestra querida madre y abuela falleció el 13 de diciembre de 2024 en su casa, rodeada de seres queridos y de los olores y ruidos de un hogar familiar. Chimi prosperaba cuando su casa estaba llena y cuando alimentaba a todos. La comida y cocinar para los demás era su lenguaje de amor. Sin embargo, lograr que verbalizara una receta era imposible porque nunca usaba tazas o cucharas medidoras; cuando se le preguntaba, su respuesta era "un poquito", "un puñalito", "una cucharadita". Muchos de nosotros intentamos engañarla haciéndole colocar especias u otros ingredientes en recipientes en un intento de llegar a una medida, pero ella no quería saber nada de eso. No importa cuántas versiones se hayan intentado, nadie logró esa magia especial con la que infundía las comidas. Ni nuestras vidas ni nuestra comida serán las mismas sin nuestra Chimi.

Le sobreviven sus hijos, muchos nietos y bisnietos, hermanos, su hermana, un grupo grande y diverso de amigos y una familia extensa. Ella era la matriarca, nos mantuvo unidos y la extrañaremos todos los días.

Descansa en paz mami, espero que estés cocinando en la gran cocina en el cielo.

A visitation for Maria will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A graveside committal will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.