María del Refugio Juarez, affectionately known as Mamá Cuca by her family and friends, passed away peacefully in her own home on September 28, 2026. She was 93 years old. In her final days, her home was filled with family members spanning generations, surrounding her with love and support. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Julian Juarez, and her four brothers. 

Born on July 2nd, 1933, María grew up in Amatlán de Cañas, a small colonial town surrounded by mountains in the Mexican state of Nayarit. Now recognized as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos , the town is both picturesque and remote. Her father died when she was only 10 years old, leaving her to be raised by her mother and older siblings. The challenges and hardships of her early life forced her to grow up quickly. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Mexicali, where she met her next-door neighbor and future husband, Julián. 

The two eventually married and, after starting a family, relocated to Julian’s hometown of El Rosario, an even smaller and more remote village in rural Sinaloa. Around this time, Julian purchased a plot of land for his growing family, known as El Moral , which remains in the family to this day. Surrounded by lagoons and rivers and filled with mango trees, El Moral was the family’s home for five years. 

Julián earned a living as a farmworker through the U.S. Bracero Program. He was frequently away for months at a time, sending money home when he could. Life as a young mother in this rustic, remote village was difficult, but María persevered. Her mother-in-law taught her to cook the Sinaloan dishes passed down through generations, dishes Cuca perfected and continued to serve to family and guests throughout her life. 

In 1955, Cuca and Julián relocated to Mexicali to be closer to opportunities in the United States. Julian often traveled to Delano, Fresno, and the Coachella Valley for work, saving money to bring his family to the U.S. That dream was realized in 1965, when the family settled permanently in the Coachella Valley, where Cuca and Julián would spend the rest of their lives. 

They purchased a home in Indio that became the setting for many of Mamá Cuca’s happiest memories. By then, the family had grown to ten children. For decades, Cuca hosted countless gatherings there, always holding court with her natural gift for storytelling and her sharp wit. Friends and family visited by the carload to feast on her famed cooking, including her unrivaled tamales, menudo, and the many Mexican botanas she had mastered. 

Mamá Cuca was beloved by her family and quick to make friends wherever she lived. She had an extraordinary memory, recalling the names and birthdays of her nearly 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She relished sharing stories of her life around the kitchen table, usually over coffee and pan dulce. Those fortunate enough to visit her home could always count on good company and a memorable story. 

Mamá Cuca will be remembered for her beaming smile, unforgettable sense of humor, and ability to charm almost anyone. Her larger-than-life presence left a lasting impression, even on those who met her only briefly. Maria del Refugio Juarez left this world surrounded by friends and family. She leaves behind a remarkable family legacy and will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched. She is survived by her children, María de Jesus, Rebecca, José Luis, Norma, Marco Antonio, Armando, Julian, Ernesto, and Gustavo and her many, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.