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, 96, died peacefully on March 9, 2015. She was born on June 28, 1918 to Ignacio and Angelina Flores in Douglas, Ariz. Santitos, as she was known by, was a loving sister to her 15 brothers and sisters. The Flores family made their home in Phoenix and the surrounding areas.
She met Carlos Q. Marquez just before he left to serve his country in World War II. While Carlos was stationed in Germany and France, they corresponded frequently. Upon his return from the war in December 1945, they had a whirlwind courtship and were married on Feb. 24, 1946. Carlos and Maria started a family filled with laughter, hard work, respect, and love. They moved as a family to San Manuel in 1956 and later purchased a house in Oracle, where they made a home for over 40 years.
Santos lovingly cared for her six children, 16 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. She was known for her famous beans, empandadas, and biscochuelos. She was a born entertainer, and was known for her humor, and constantly made her family laugh through her many antics. Many people from Oracle may remember the Marquez Tortilla Shop that she ran for a few years. Her tamales were a favorite and she continued to make and sell them for years after the shop closed.
Maria Santos was a devoted wife for 52 years and she is now happily reunited with her husband Carlos and their son, Anthony, who preceded her in death. Mrs. Santos is survived by her five children, Jack (Rosie), Charlie (Gilda), Connie (Larry) Vizcarra, Hector (Jennie), and Linda (Manny) Corona, 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, her sister, Lydia Macias and many nieces, nephews and friends. Services for Maria Santos Marquez were held Monday, March 16, at Tempe Mortuary,Tempe, Ariz. and a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church in Mammoth, Ariz. on Tuesday, March 17, followed by interment at Oracle Cemetery.
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