Stella Nuñez, 90 passed away on October 24, 2017 after a three-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by her loving family at home in central Phoenix where she had lived for the past fifteen years. Born February 24, 1927 in Tucson, Arizona. She grew up in Phoenix and briefly in Miami, Arizona. Scottsdale was home for 34 years where together with her husband Johnny they raised their family of eight children at Tres Alamos Ranch. Stella was a beautiful, loving and caring woman and her true profession was being a mother. She was an amazing woman who touched so many lives. She welcomed everyone into her home where her cooking skills were well known and loved. Stella was the heart and soul of her family and her signature farewell, “Vaya con Díos” will always be remembered. She is survived by daughters Sandra Nuñez, Jacque Nuñez and Gina Nuñez with whom she lived with and Vicki Nuñez (Mark) Britton; sons Jerry (Mary) Nuñez, Jay Carlos (Kelly) Nuñez and Jody Nuñez; sister, Blanche Torres, brother Gilbert (Mary) Valle; and grandchildren Justin (Rosa) Nuñez, Robert (Renae) Nuñez, Jill Cunitz, Ryan Smith, Shannon Smith, Cody Britton, Jessica (Wayne) LaMarre, Jennifer (Kole) Calhoun, Jason Nuñez, Jordan Nuñez, Jake Nuñez, and Elizabeth Nuñez. She is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny, son Jay (Nancy) Nuñez, grandson J.T. Nuñez, mother and father Peter and Julia Valle, sister Millie and brothers Peter, Danny, and Donald. The family would like to extend special thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their insight and care of Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease, the numerous physicians, nurses, and caregivers who helped Stella throughout her many hospital stays, and all of the friends who over the past 90 years have celebrated her life while she was here. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 2, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix. Graveside service to follow at 12:30 P.M. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix AZ 85014 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, 1028 E McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006-2662. Condolences may be left at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Diane Murray
What a wonderful life to celebrate! My deepest sympathies to the entire family with special hugs to Jay Carlos & Kelly. Enjoy the special memories within your hearts.
Love, D
Cousin Debbie
My dear Auntie Stella was my hero throughout my life and will live forever in my heart. As a child, I observed how she loved her family unconditionally. At times I even wished she was my mother, yet having her as my aunt was blessing enough. As an adult, I developed an even deeper appreciation for her strength and courage as she navigated through life’s challenges. Her faith, love, and joy of life overflowed from her being wherever she was. In large crowds I could always find her by following the laugher. She was a living example that I will strive to follow all of my days. Thank you, my wonderful aunt for being my one and only Auntie Stella. If I’m half the woman you’ve taught me to be, I too will leave the world a much better place.
Donna Fedor and Dan Brann
She and the rest of the Nunez’s have welcomed us into the family with so much love. She was a special woman, so bright and loving and funny like all her children. Dan and I send our love and hugs to all. So glad I was able to tell her how much we loved her.
Lisa Mednick Takami
What a beautiful obituary for a long life lived well and full of love. Heartfelt condolences.
LJ
This is a beautifully written memory of such an incredible, loving person. Nana will be greatly missed, but her spirit of love will never be forgotten by all of those she touched with her wonderful, welcoming smile. Thinking of you all in this difficult time and sending love.
Denise Valle Anderson
Ah, my Aunt Stella, you probably never knew how you taught me to love and give. When I lost my mom at such a young age, I remember going to stay with you and never wanting to leave. You taught me how to love and be kind to everyone, and how to cook for an Army! You are forever in my heart…I love you.
Helen Hopp
Dear family of the dearly departed, Stella, your beloved Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother and friend. Rudy and I share our condolences to all of you and offer comfort and prayers to you all. We will be happy to represent the entire Hopp family in offering our sincere sympathies to you at this difficult and sad time. We have so many happy memories of Stella, her warmth to everyone in her presence and the sharing of her love at the gatherings in her lovely home. May God Bless all of you and provide you comfort with our prayers.
Our love and sorrow for all of you,
Rudy and Helen Hopp and the Hopp family
Kim Scherer Besse
To all of the Nunez family I send my heartfelt sympathy. I will always hold your mother in my heart. She was such a huge part of my childhood. So many beautiful memories of her- her warm smile, infectious laugh and fierce passion for her family and the values she held dear to her. I feel so blessed to have known her and to be a part of all of your lives as we grew up together. All my love to you as you reflect back on the beautiful life shared with your loving mom.