Our beautiful Mother, Nana, and Tia, Maria Jesus Estrada Perez, was called home to our Lord on Friday, December 18, 2020.  She is once again reunited with her beloved husband, Antonio, mother, Nolberta Estrada, and other dearly departed family members that preceded her.  She is survived by her children and family: Gloria Patricia and Gilberto Rojas, Lupita and Luis Rocha, Pete and Gloria Perez, grandchildren: Fernando Rojas, Larissa, Luis Jr., Loraya, Lorenzo, Lehi, and Lyxenia Rocha, Peter Jr, Maricela, and Roxanne Perez, sisters : Consuelo Trujillo, Angelita Salmon, Micaela Dorame (Jose), and Celia Franco (Jose), brother Daniela Estrada, and many, many nieces and nephews whom she deeply cared about.

Born and raised in Pilaris Nacozari, Sonora, Mexico, Maria was the third oldest of 12 siblings, oldest of the women.  As such, she was fundamental in helping our Mayande and the family weather hardships, welcome siblings, provide for and care for the family.  That dedication and commitment continued throughout her life whenever any one needed that helping hand.  Early in life, mom worked supervising and keeping inventory of a supermarket in Sonora, later she worked as a waitress in a cafe in Douglas.

As a homemaker, her family and her home were her pride and joy and where she shone the brightest. She ran our household and kept us in check. She taught us the meaning of family and most importantly Faith.  Her support and encouragement in all that we did gave our wings flight to accomplish anything we wanted to accomplish.  From late night studying, to driving all over town for dance lessons or meetings, our yearly birthday parties, and everything in between, she was always there.   She brought happiness and light to every day and had a cure for every ache.  She was our constant and our strength.

As our beloved Mother, Nana, Sister, and Yaya Maria, she provided care and support in many forms, from lending an ear, to rescuing us from difficult situations, to offering food and shelter any day, any time, even if you didn't want more.  There was never a limit to her generosity, kindness, and guiding words.  She enjoyed the company of family for every occasion or no occasion at all, welcoming all, family and friends alike, into her home and heart.  But the name most fitting is LOVE.  Her love for each one of us was expressed through care, self-sacrifice, patience, understanding, devotion, dedication, commitment to the entire family, and leadership through the example of her ministry of everyday life.

Years and years of walking around the park or the cemetery to stay fit, TRYING to ride bikes with us, us TRYING to cook like her, and vacationing often, bring tears of laughter, tears of joy,  tears of longing and many memories to light our way until we see each other once again.  We praise God for the blessing of her long beautiful life. And so for now it's not goodbye, but until we meet again, mom, save a place for us!  We love you and will miss you dearly!

Services will be held, fittingly, on her birthday, Thursday, December 24th.  We will have the viewing at Brown-Page Mortuary from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, Rosary and Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Calvary Cemetery with rosary at 10:30 am and mass at 11:00 am with Fr. Tom Quirk presiding.  Pallbearers Gilbert Rojas, Fernando Rojas, Luis Rocha Sr, Luis Rocha Jr, Lorenzo Rocha, and Lehi Rocha have the honor of guiding her to her final resting place.