Stella Covarrubio, age 89, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Stella was born in Tombstone, Arizona to Julia Najar (Gutierrez) and Andres Romo. She was raised in Tombstone by her grandmother, Petra Gutierrez, until she was 17. Stella has spent most of her life in Arizona.
Stella, also known as Mom and Nana to those who loved her, lived her life showing her children what it means to be a hard worker, teaching them to love their families deeply, and instilling them with strength, love, and compassion. She enjoyed people watching at the senior center, the malls, and the stores. More than that she loved watching her family grow. She always encouraged and supported their goals and accomplishments.
She was known for being independent, strong, family oriented, and for having an overall zest for life. Her hobbies included playing the loteria, bingo, watching "novelas", spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and shopping at the dollar stores. She loved Loteria themed items, mariachi music, roses (specifically red), and most of all, her family and the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. Once retired, Stella volunteered hundreds of hours at the South Mountain Community Center.
Stella is survived by her children Geraldine "Jeri" Edgar, Andrea Gutierrez (Pete Gutierrez), Michelle Sanchez, and Christopher Covarrubio; siblings Stephanie Torres, Peggy Garcia, and Richard Najar; grandchildren Ashley Duran, Anthony Gutierrez, Brittany Gutierrez, Taylor Gutierrez, Sydney Edgar-Vasey, David Gonzales, Garrett Gonzales and Andrew Gonzales, and 14 great grandchildren.
Stella was preceded in death by her husband Margarito Covarrubio; parents Julia Najar (Gutierrez) and Andres Romo; her brother Frank Maldonado; her grandparents Petra and Jose C Gutierrez.
Stella's family would like to give a special thanks to Nancy O, a volunteer, who was a constant for two years. She donated her time once a week to play bingo and talk with Mom. Nancy, you brought so much joy to Mom. We are forever thankful.
Another warm thank you to Hospice of the Valley for the care and kindness that made Mom's journey comfortable every step of the way. We are forever grateful for your involvement.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stella's memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley, https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/.
A celebration of life for Stella will be held at a later date at the Portobello Home. Please check back for further details.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Covarrubio family.
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Please contact the staff of Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care for questions or comments.