Maria Eugenia “Mary Jean” Copenhaver

September 16, 1938 - April 23, 2024

Loving mother and grandmother

Maria, passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 23, 2024, at her home in Coolidge, AZ with her loved ones by her side.

Maria was born on September 16, 1938, in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico to Camilo Mancera Vera and Maria Luisa Maldonado Paredes. In her youth she worked as a secretary for the Supreme Court of Mexico, one of her proudest career accomplishments. She later married Hugh Copenhaver and moved to the United States with him where she raised her son Eduardo “Eddie” Copenhaver until she and Hugh later divorced. Maria lived for some time in Tucson, AZ, the Big Island of Hawaii, and then spent most of her years living in the Willamette Valley in Oregon where she worked as a caregiver. In 2021, Maria moved to Coolidge, AZ to be close to her family.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents, 8 of her siblings, and her beloved son Eddie.

She is survived by her granddaughter Phylicia Reed, who she raised as her own child after the death of her son Eddie, Phylicia’s father. She is also survived by her 3 great grandchildren, Jade, Grace and Dean, who she loved more than life, her grandson in law Jeffrey Reed, two surviving sisters in Mexico, and many nieces and nephews.

Maria enjoyed traveling, learning about health, swimming, and spending time with her family. One of Maria’s favorite memories was when she had the opportunity to live in Seville, Spain with her granddaughter Phylicia, where they traveled all over Europe and spent precious time together.

Maria will be dearly missed and will especially be remembered for the love and kindness that she gave to all.

A celebration of life will take place in the month of May. Details to follow.