Maria Teresa Cardenas

Teresa is survived by her three daughters: Ana Isbel Ochoa, Luisa Catalina Cardenas, and Maria Teresita Jones. Son in-law, Jerry Jones Jr. 10 Grandchildren: Marita, Maricella (Jesus), Clarissa, Angelica, Diego, Aaron (Klarissa), Jerry III (Ysela), Alejandra, Marco Antonio and Gabriel. 11 Great-GrandChildren: Dezirae, Joshua, Danny, Jesus, Aracely, Jonathan, Era, Bentley, Kataleya and Cielo. Sister's, Francis Marin and Martina Gonzales.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Marco Antonio Cardenas. Parents: Alberto and Delia Ruiz and sisters: Micaela and Alicia.

Teresa was born on March 30th, 1943 to Alberto and Delia Ruiz, where she grew up in Cortaro, in the Marana area. She always shared fond memories of her childhood and growing up on the ranch. She shared how lucky she was to have the childhood she did. From raising livestock, making tortillas outside, playing in the water canals, and racing her father's truck down the dirt roads. As much as she loved the ranch, she also would say she couldn't wait to leave it for city life.

While attending Marana high school, she was a four-year letterman in chorus, volleyball and softball. Graduating with the class of 1962. She attended one semester at the University of Arizona where she was in the Nursing Program. While she had fun going into town for school, she also let her rebel side out. She would drag race her father's new '62 Ford pickup down Speedway. She was also a waitress at the Flying Saucer Cafe, while she went to school. She enjoyed singing Patsy Cline songs during her shifts for all who dined.

This was also the year she met the love of her life, Marco Antonio Cardenas. They fell in love and married in 1964. Together they had three beautiful daughters which were the joy of their lives. While they raised their family. They also built their home on their own, brick by brick. In this home, they would see their daughters graduate from college, marry and the many many grandchildren would run through the halls of the home looking for Nana and Tata. The home they built was a home made of love.

In Teresa's work life, she worked at Pharmicell which later became Ansell for 30 plus years. Teresa was a Quality Control Supervisor and received many awards for her superior work. The work Teresa did, also allowed her to continue her higher education in what is now known as the STEAM field. Teresa was a trail blazer for women working in the science fields. When Ansell closed its doors, Teresa was given the opportunity to go back to school and become an Early Childhood Educator. This led her to become an outstanding Head Start Teacher with Child-Parent Centers. Teresa would always say, "If I had known that being a teacher would bring me so much joy. I would have become a teacher from the get go.". Teresa would eventually retire from Head Start and begin caring for her younger grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Teresa will be fondly remembered by her family for the many memories she made for them. Amazing and beautiful Christmas celebrations where she would dress up as Mrs. Claus. Singing "Hermoso Carino" to her grandchildren, dancing with her daughters and also cheering on her favorite sports teams. Go Yankees! Go Broncos! Go FW Caballeros! However, we can not forget a saying she always said, as speeding cars would pass her. "Go ahead! Hell's not full yet!" This saying would make everyone around her laugh.

Mom, Thank you for all of your love, kindness, joy and especially the strength you gave us all. We will miss you more than words could ever express!

On Friday, October 27th, 2023 at 1:23 am. Teresa took her last breath on earth and her very first in Heaven. Reunited with the Lord, the love of her life and all of her family.

Thank you Lord for blessing us with our Mom!

A visitation for Maria will be held Monday, November 13, 2023 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. Following the visitation will be a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at External Service Location, 1950 Irvington Pl, Tucson, AZ 85746.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the Cardenas family.