Obituary for Mary Coronado

Mary Coronado, of Safford, entered into rest on Jan. 1, 2021, in Tucson, Arizona.  Mary was born in Lubbock, Texas to Filiberto and Ramona Vargas. Mary was one of nine siblings from the Vargas family of Tucson, including sisters, Stella (Manuel) Lopez, Annie (Ernie) Duran, Lorraine Vargas, Della (Bob) Pesqueira, Rosemary (Pete) Garcia and brothers, Alfred (Linda) Vargas, Israel (Ingrid) Vargas, and Felix Vargas.

As a child, Mary attended Wakefield Middle School and enjoyed being a part of the then-new Pueblo High and then Sunnyside High. Though she was unable to complete her high school education, circumstances led her to begin a journey in the restaurant industry as a teen working at Tucson’s own landmark, Lucky Wishbone.

Mary met and married Crispin Coronado Jr., and the Coronado family settled in Safford in 1965. As a young homemaker, she was able to be active and proselytize in her faith in English and then in Spanish. She enjoyed listening to the music of various genres and attending concerts along with family. She also enjoyed gardening and entering food competitions with the support of family members.

Mary Coronado

Mary owned and operated El Coronado Family Restaurant in Safford along with her loyal coworker, Alfredo Gonzalez.

Mary is survived by her daughters, sons, and grandchildren, including Julie (Anthony & Brianna), Della, Greg and Susan (Cris & Veronica), and Marco (Diego, Emilio & Leila).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Crispin Coronado Jr.

Thank you to all those that have reached out to share their sympathies and comfort with our family as we mourn.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 13, from 2 until 5 p.m. at McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel. The extended time in the chapel will allow for limited seating capacity.  Due to health and safety concerns, we ask that everyone wear a mask to protect themselves and vulnerable family members.

A testament to her faith as uno des Los Testigos de Jehova will be conducted via Zoom at 2 p.m.

Join zoom meeting –  Topic: Mary Coronado’s Memorial Service   ID: 827 485 4098    Passcode: 011154

Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory.  Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.