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Samaritan Funeral & Cremation Services - Ahwatukee

Mary Morales

April 9th, 1926 - July 6th, 2025

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Nini (Mary Morales) (née Maria Morales), 99, passed away on July 6, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Born on April 9, 1926, in Fredonia, Kansas, Nini spent the majority of her life in the South Chicago neighborhood. In 1936, she attended Gompers School in Chicago, graduating as valedictorian.

 

Despite living with a physical handicap, Nini never let it define or limit her. She faced challenges with unmatched perseverance and strength, always pushing forward to live a full and meaningful life. Her determination was evident in everything she did — from her work to her passion for enjoying life to the fullest.

 

Nini was a beloved figure in the South Chicago community. She and her father owned and operated La Luz Del Dia, one of the very first Mexican-owned grocery stores in South Chicago, serving the neighborhood with pride. Later, Nini worked as an income tax preparer. A true math whiz, Nini had a sharp mind and a quick wit, always ready with a clever quip or a good-natured laugh.

 

Nini loved reading and sewing, hobbies that reflected her creative and thoughtful nature. Above all, she was a sweet and generous person, always ready to help her friends and family with anything they needed. Her kindness, humor, and unwavering spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

 

To her nieces and nephews, Nini was not only an aunt but also a second mother. She played a special role in their lives, offering love, guidance, and warmth — always there to listen, support, and care for them. Her nurturing presence will be forever cherished by those who were lucky enough to call her family.

 

She is survived by her brother, Jesse Morales, and her sister, Esperanza Rodriguez (née Morales). Nini was preceded in death by her father, Eugenio Morales; mother, Rosenda Morales (née Chairez); and siblings Antonia Rojas (née Morales), Eugenio Jr. (Hank) Morales, Amelia Romero (née Morales), and Raul (Rudy) Morales. Nini is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

 

Our beloved sister and aunt, Nini, is now at peace with her Heavenly Father.

 

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 16223 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85048, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

We Entrusted Mary Morales's Care To

Samaritan Funeral & Cremation Services - Ahwatukee

Samaritan Funeral & Cremation Services - Ahwatukee

Samaritan Funeral & Cremation Services believes every Ahwatukee family deserves a respectful end-of-life journey. We offer direct cremation plans that you may customize to suit your needs and budget. We provide private gathering spaces, priority return of your loved one’s ashes, and a wide variety of cremation urns, memorial items, and keepsakes. At Samaritan, we emphasize compassionate, personalized care blended with practicality and affordability. You decide when, where, and how to honor your loved one. Let our dedicated staff help you choose the right plan for a loved one or as part of your prearrangements....

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(480) 400-8948

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