Maria Linda Fazio

Maria Linda Fazio passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on December 30, 2023, at her home in El Paso, Texas. She was born on November 17, 1947, in El Paso to Ignacio Facio and Maria De La Luz Vasquez Facio. Maria Linda graduated from Bowie High School and went on to earn her graduate degree from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Throughout her life, Maria Linda was a dedicated advocate for mental health and wellness. She founded Transformations Family Services and received special commendations for her outstanding work with women, children, and her community from the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles. Her contributions to the L.A. County Dept. of Mental Health were also recognized by the DMH Ethnic Minorities Task Force. Maria Linda's impact extended beyond a local level, as she received national commendations, including Congressional Special Recognition from the United States Congress and the Women of Achievement Award for her professional and volunteer work with women and children in collaboration with the YWCA organization. She played a significant role in the "Just Say No" campaign, and worked with first lady Nancy Reagan who presented the first Drug Bill that was signed by President Ronald Reagan.

Maria Linda is survived by her daughters Yvette Hernandez-Bailey, Michelle Hernandez-Moreno, Rachel Fazio, and her youngest, Tiny Tim, whom she lovingly called "Chiquillo." (Shout out to all the service dogs!) She also leaves behind her grandchildren Cynthia Rae Moreno, Lawrence Obadiah Bailey, Giselle Georgette Moreno, and Elizabeth Grace Maria Bailey. Maria Linda is also survived by her brother Pedro Facio, sisters Velia Ojeda, Blanche Arreola, Yvonne Fanter, Donna Semmere, and Dennise Facio Armijo, as well as 15 nieces and nephews and countless extended family and friends who loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed, and her powerful legacy will be cherished by all. We love you, Momma.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 11, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West, located at 5054 Doniphan Drive, El Paso, Tx 79932. A eulogy will be presented at 2 p.m.

In honor of Maria Linda's lifelong dedication to giving back to the community, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Operation Smile. Contributions can be made directly by visiting https://www.operationsmile.org/.