Ercilia Cañez Valverde

Ercilia Cañez Valverde, a beacon of warmth and culinary artistry, departed from this world on October 21, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 93. Born on February 7, 1931, in the quaint town of Imuris, Sonora, Mexico, Ercilia's journey through life was nothing short of extraordinary. She was a luminary who embodied the spirit of perseverance, kindness, and unyielding love, forever leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.

Ercilia carved her niche in the world as a professional chef of Mexican cuisine, showcasing her talents at renowned establishments such as El Minuto, La Fuente, and Karachimaka. Her culinary legacy was anchored by her famous tamales and fish soup, dishes that not only delighted the palate but also brought family and friends together at the heart of her kitchen. Ercilia was the original Mexican Wonder Woman, whose legendary cooking and nurturing spirit transcended the ordinary, creating a sanctuary of solace and love around her.

Despite the challenges of life that led her to assist in raising her brothers and working on her family's ranch, where she sold their produce, Ercilia's educational aspirations took a backseat to her unwavering commitment to family. Her proudest accomplishment remained her family—a large and loving clan that cherished her deeply.

Ercilia possessed a personality as vibrant as the dishes she prepared. A devoted mother and grandmother, she enveloped her descendants in unconditional love, while cultivating cherished friendships that flourished like the bountiful gardens she tended. She was also known for her spiritual cleansings and her generous spirit; feeding the homeless, volunteering at an orphanage in Nogales, Sonora, and regularly sending donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, embodying her belief in family unity and the greater good.

She honored the Virgin De Guadalupe, her patron saint, celebrating her memory with reverence and gratitude each year. A strong matriarch who adored her family, Ercilia's legacy of kindness, compassion, and culinary excellence will resonate through generations.

Among those she leaves behind are her adoring children: Caroline Valverde Perez, Robert Cañez Valverde (Cindy), Isabel Valverde Martinez (David), Evangelina Cañez Valverde, Jesus "Jesse" Cañez Valverde, Adam Cañez Valverde (Reyna), and Alejandra Cañez Valverde. Her love extended to her grandchildren, Catalina, Yolanda, Barbara, Abraham, Celeste, Rene Jr., Cecilia, Nathan, Nicholas, Shawn, Isidro, James, Julio, Monica, Christina, Maria Angelica, Ysabel, Jesus, Jessica, Lorenzo, Sandrita, Miriam, Abigail, Hector, Jesus, Elisandro, Sebastin, Joshua, Lexsander, Danny and Estrella. Ercilia also treasured her 60 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren, 2 great-great- great grandchildren along with her siblings, Tibaldo Lauro Cañez and Manuel Lauro Cañez (Joanne), alongside numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives she touched.

Ercilia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Isidro Valencia Valverde, her daughter, Glerina Cañez Navarro, sons-in-law, and Rene Dorame Perez and Oscar Varelas, as well as her grandsons, Oscar Varelas, Jr., James Sanchez and Marcos Sanchez; granddaughter, Veronica Santacruz, and siblings, Lorenzo Lauro Cañez, Antonio Lauro Cañez, Jesus Lauro Cañez, Esteban Lauro Cañez, and Evangelina Cañez Escoboza; granddaughter in-law, Brandie Gittens Perez; and great-grandchild, Anthony Perez Cavazos.

As we gather to celebrate her life, we honor the remarkable legacy she leaves behind. Visitation will be held on October 29, 2024, at Martinez Funeral Chapels in Tucson from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass will be celebrated in her honor on October 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, followed by her burial at Holy Hope Cemetery. A reception will follow at Santa Rosa Restaurant from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM with food being served at 2:00 PM. 

The world is a darker place without Ercilia Cañez Valverde, a passionate soul who taught us all the meaning of love, resilience, and the power of home-cooked meals. May her spirit live on in every flavorful dish and every loving gesture shared among family.