Engracia Gonzales Bejarano

Engracia (Grace) Gonzales Bejarano, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 9, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 16, 1932, Grace was a lifelong Tucsonan who grew up in the historic Blue Moon neighborhood. She proudly served as a federal employee at the Tucson Veterans Affairs hospital for 30 years.

Grace was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Joe “Butch” Bejarano; her parents, Angelita and Luis Gonzales; and her twelve siblings, of whom she was the last surviving.

Grace was the heart of her family, radiating care, compassion, and joy in all that she did. She made friends wherever she went and cherished every opportunity to gather with loved ones, especially over meals and celebrations.

She is survived by her daughter, Mercy (Rene) Duarte; her son, Joe (Delia) Bejarano; and her grandchildren: Melinda (Michael) Martinez, Emily (Scotty) Robles, Esperanza (Eric) Freitchen, Joey Bejarano, Annette (Julio) Bejarano, and Trisha (Ricky) Quarrell. Grace was blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren. She also shared deep, abiding love with her many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Affectionately known as “Nana Grace,” she will be remembered as the cherished matriarch of her family, always offering unconditional love, homemade tortillas, a love of baking, her signature Estee Lauder touch, and a steadfast faith in God.

A visitation will be held at Bring's Broadway Chapel, 6910 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson AZ 85710, on June 24th, 2025 at 8am to 9am.

Rosary will be at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 602 W Ajo Wy, Tucson, AZ 85713, at 10am. Mass will follow at 10:30am.

Burial will be at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, at 12:00pm the same day.