Obituary for Mary Ann Socorro Martinez Sena

Mary Ann Socorro Martinez Sena (3/11/44 – 9/5/22) passed away peacefully in Tucson, AZ.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Thomas Sena Sr., and son, Thomas W. Sena Jr., her parents, Agueda “Aggie” Sandoval Martinez and William A. Martinez, three brothers Dan Martinez (Alice), Jake Martinez, Augustine Martinez, one sister Pauline Martinez-Montoya (Roman), and nephews and nieces. Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Karen Sena Gonzales, grandchildren, Marino and Sabrina, and 3 great-grandsons, Christopher, Marcos, Jacob Thomas Quintana, and many cousins and relatives.

Born and raised in Santa Fe, Mary Ann was the youngest of five children and graduated from Santa Fe H.S. before meeting her beloved husband whose military career as a Staff Sergeant took them around the world, with residences in Germany, Switzerland, and several U.S. states.  While Mary Ann never had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong desire to be a pilot with the Air Force, she thrived on the demands of army living, balancing organization and structure with a magnetic sense of humor and zest for life. Mary Ann lived every moment joyfully despite several health ailments later in life, never forgetting cherished memories as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother.  A friend to all who knew her, Mary Ann held a special place in her heart for her daughter, granddaughter and great grandsons. They were the source of immense happiness. 

Mary Ann was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mark Parish in Oro Valley.  Her love of the saints brought comfort and inspiration, alongside other deep loves, including reading, dancing, and all types of music. Elvis Presley aka “The King” was one of many of the celebrities Mary Ann met while apprenticing in Hollywood as young woman with her Uncle Arvon Wahl.  Mary Ann’s stories about meeting Elvis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and other celebrities are just some of the larger-than-life ways that Mary Ann gave to her family.  Mary Ann leaves behind a treasure trove of family recipes, stories, Northern New Mexico cuisine, and a lifetime of celebrations for future Sena generations.  

Rosary and Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church 2727 W. Tangerine, Oro Valley to be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022.  Donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, National Kidney Foundation, and Disabled American Veteran Society.