Born in 1942 to Frances S. Cortez and Juan O. Benitez in Artesia, New Mexico, Mary later moved to Tucson, Arizona with her three children.

Mary was very proud of her heritage and participated in numerous events as an activist within the Chicano community. Throughout her life, she held various occupations while attending college as a full time student and raising a family of three. She worked as a juvenile detention and domestic violence counselor.

Mary loved her family and friends, and enjoyed family gatherings. She was very supportive of everyone in her family, especially of her 6 grandchildren. She attended their events regularly and always made an effort to help in whatever she could. In addition to the time she dedicated to her family, she made time to serve the Lord attending church, being a Eucharistic Minister, and an active member of Las Guadalupanas.

She is survived by her three children: Richard, Rudy, and Mark. 

Services will be held Friday March 1, 2019 at Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn 5401 S. Park Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85706 from 5:00-9:00 pm with a 6:00 pm rosary with a reception to follow.