Maria Cleofas RENTERIA

RENTERIA, Maria Cleofas Maria, a loving aunt, a kind and generous woman, and a devout Catholic died the evening of June 9th, 2016 at the age of 99. She was born on February 12, 1917, in Mission, Texas to Gilberto Renteria and Josefa Espericueta Renteria, a pioneer family of the lower Rio Grande Valley. She grew up attending Catholic school and was a member of Association Hijas de Maria. During her younger years, she played the violin with a local group, Banda Don Gil, whose mission was to raise funds for the local Catholic Church. She also volunteered at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Tucson. As she grew older, she co-owned and worked in the family's grocery store, floral shop and nursery. In 1952, Maria relocated to California, first living in Los Angeles and then the San Fernando Valley. In 1972, she relocated to Tucson along with her extended family. Although Maria lived in a number of places, she never forgot her roots and held Mission and La Grulla, Texas, in a special place in her heart. Maria traveled to many states, Mexico and Canada. Among her interests were cake decorating, baking, sewing and swimming. Maria is survived by nieces, Josefa, Carmen and Dolores Renteria, Maria E. Renteria-Villa (Jose Villa), and Gloria Griffith (Richard) of WA; nephews, Jesse, Gilbert (Becky) and Paul Renteria. She is also survived by ten great-nieces and great-nephews, and one great-great-niece. Maria was predeceased by her parents, Gilberto and Josefa E. Renteria; sisters, Dominga Renteria and Bertha Gonzalez (Jaime); brother, Jesus Renteria (Guadalupe) and nephew, Jaime Gonzalez (widow, Suzanne Schoch-Gonzalez). The family thanks God for the very long and healthy life that Maria was given. The family also thanks caregivers, Centhea Aguilar, Olga Angulo and Cristina Rodriguez. Maria's Funeral Service was held at St. Augustine Cathedral on June 17, 2016 and she was laid to rest at Holy Hope Cemetery in Tucson, AZ. A Funeral luncheon was held at La Parrilla Suiza (Oracle Rd.). Arrangements by FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL. FAREWELL KIND AND GENTLE SOUL