Alicia Esparza Avalos

Alicia Esparza Avalos, 81, passed away surrounded by her loving family on November 1, 2020. She was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico to Miguel and Pilar Esparza. When Alicia was about 5 years old, she moved to Miami, Arizona where she spent most of her life and where she met her husband of 60 years, Rudolph “Rudy” Avalos. In 1980, she and Rudy moved to Tempe, Arizona with their 2 daughters.

Alicia was born in the middle of 10 siblings and became “Nanny” to her younger siblings and many nieces and nephews. She treasured those times and always spoke of them fondly. She carried on the tradition by hosting her nieces and nephews to summer vacations at her home in Tempe. After graduating from Miami High School, she received her Cosmetology Certificate and started her 30+ year career as a beautician/hairdresser.

Alicia was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She genuinely enjoyed her life as a caregiver, working full time and was rarely sitting still. She was blessed with 4 grandchildren whom she cared for while her daughters worked full time. The relationship with her grandchildren is priceless and she will forever be in their hearts.

Alicia is preceded in death by her parents, Miguel and Pilar Esparza and her sister, Maria Horta. She is survived by her husband Rudy, 2 daughters, Louisa Pedraza (Russell) and Alicia Thompson (Eric); 4 grandchildren, John Pedraza, Elisa Pedraza, Marisa Thompson and Jenalee Thompson; as well as, her eight siblings; Eduardo Esparza, Globe; Trini Mawson (Dewey), Globe; Herlinda Monarrez, Phoenix; Esperanza Cordes (Jim) Chandler; Bertha Mansour (John), Phoenix; Maggie Northey, Colorado; Mike Esparza (Maureen), Scottsdale; Jose Esparza (Debbie), Chandler and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Lakeshore Mortuary in Mesa, Arizona. A small Celebration of Life will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church (16223 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85048) on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 at 11:00am. The service will be available through a livestream at StBenedict.org (click YouTube icon in upper right corner of page) for those who are unable to attend. The church will observe Covid-19 protocols; social distancing and masks will be required.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Alicia’s memory to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or online at www.HOV.org.