Mary Dolores Aguilera
Arizona native Maria (Mary) Dolores Avila Aguilera passed away on November 1, 2021 at her home in Prescott. She was born on September 15, 1924 in Globe, Arizona. She was the youngest child born to Petra and Telesforo Avila. She recalls her parents farming and ranching in Globe, as well as Phoenix, around 24th Street and McDowell. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix. Mary married Angel Gaspar Aguilera in 1947 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Phoenix. They are the parents of Angela, Carlos and Ron. Angel and Mary relocated to Prescott, Arizona in 1957 when Angel and a business partner brought cable television to the region. Mary was a life-long Catholic. While residing in Prescott, Mary gave her time and heart to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sacred Heart School and Saint Joseph’s Academy. She participated in the Legion of Mary, Clarets, and Crusillos. In later years, Mary was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Mesa where she volunteered at the church library.
Mary retired from Prescott Unified School District after 23 years of service as the school librarian at Washington Elementary School. The library was named the Mary Aguilera Library in her honor. In later years, she volunteered at Mesa Public Library after Angel and Mary returned to Maricopa County for Angel’s health. In 2015, Angel died. A year later, she returned to Prescott. In 2017, Mary moved to Las Fuentes Retirement Village where she enjoyed many social activities and made friends with other residents and staff. She enjoyed reading children’s stories to young readers, and she was active in Girl Scouts as a Troup Leader. Mary enjoyed gardening, being in nature and spoiling her family and loved ones with phenomenal meals. She is survived by her children, their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews in Arizona, Texas, and California. Mary is preceded in death by her beloved Angel. She will be missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be held from 1PM to 1:30PM, with a Rosary Service immediately following on Monday, December 6th, at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 S. Power Rd, Mesa. Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 7th, 10am at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Rd, Mesa. Burial services will also be held on Tuesday, December 7th, immediately following Mass, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St, Phoenix.
Memorial donations in Mary’s name can be gifted to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3820 Sabino Canyon, Tucson, Arizona 85750.