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12/01/2021 - Tacna, Arizona, USA

Mary Frances Auza Jorajuria, 87, of Tacna, AZ passed away on December 1, 2021 at home surrounded by her loved ones. Frances was born on April 27, 1934 in Flagstaff, AZ to Frank and Elsie Auza and was the oldest of eight children in a sheep ranching family.

Frances attended St. Anthony Catholic School and Flagstaff High School, where she graduated in 1953. After graduating high school she worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a telephone switch-board operator.

She married Fidel Jorajuria, the love of her life in Flagstaff. They had two children Marie and Mike. In 1959, the family moved to Tacna from Casa Grande. Frances was a very active member of the Wellton-Mohawk Valley for over 60 years. She was the owner of the Basque Etchea Restaurant, which was family run, where she was seen daily for 40 years. Frances loved meeting and talking with people on a daily basis.

She is preceded in death by her husband Fidel of 60 years; her parents, Frank and Elsie Auza, her brother and sister in law, Frankie and Ann Auza; brothers Johnny Auza and George Auza; and great-niece Addison Auza.

Frances is survived by daughter Marie (Manuel) Rico, son Michael (Alicia) Jorajuria; grandchildren Jessica (Rob) Goodman of Chino Valley, Erik Rico, Howie (Amy) Jorajuria of Tacna; five great-grandchildren Cole and Ava Jorajuria and Lincoln Rico, Jackson and Arlo Goodman; brothers Joe (Carmen) Auza of Casa Grande; Pete (Joanie) Auza of Yuma; Martin (Shirley) Auza of Brawley, CA; sister Elsie (Ramon) Jorajuria of Tacna; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be Wednesday, December 22 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wellton, AZ where friends and family will celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wellton Mohawk Kiwanis Tacna Park, PO Box 441 Wellton, Arizona 85356. Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun.

(published by Yuma Sun, Legacy.com on Dec. 19, 2021)

Goian Bego - Rest in Peace