Emma Margarita Cota

Emma Margarita Cota, a 54-year resident of Nogales, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, her earthly presence simply giving out after doing so much for so many for so long. She passed away at Tucson Medical Center at the age of 88. Emma was born in Camoa, Sonora, to Herlinda and Adolfo Lopez and eventually settled to raise her family in Nogales, Arizona. She had a lot to be proud of in her lifetime, and most of it centered around her family. “Ma Emma” was loving, bright, funny, kind, and a hard worker who dedicated herself to her family, raising her children and grandchildren in a home full of love and delicious food. Emma was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to her kids. Her voice would rise above others as they took to the field or the court, and you could often find her on the sidelines cheering them on. While her children were her source of pride and joy, one of the most tragic days of her life occurred in 1969 when she lost her eldest son, Salvador, while he was serving in Vietnam. Her family finds comfort in knowing that they are now reunited after 47 years of being apart. Her son, Salvador; daughter, Norma; her husband, Manuel Cota; brothers Gustavo Lopez and Marco Antonio Lopez; and sister Brunilda Lopez predeceased her. Two sisters, Lola Acosta and Lupe Lopez, and a brother, Juan Rurico Lopez, survive her. She is also survived by her daughters, Guadalupe (Guillermo) Valdez and Francisca Norzagaray; sons, Manuel (Luly) Cota Jr.; Ramon Cota; Raul (Deyanira) Cota; Oscar (Terri) Cota; Iran (Cecy) Cota; 22 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. A wake will be held at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, at Martinez Funeral Chapel of Nogales, Arizona. Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, October 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to TMC Hospice Care – Peppi’s House.