Maria "BooBoo" Anita Williams

Maria was born on April 16, 1958, in Bisbee, Arizona, to Julio and Betty Longoria. She was one of five children and grew up surrounded by the love and laughter of her siblings: Arthur Longoria, Alice Torres (Joe), Irene Baber (Chuck), and Tina Duffy (Chet).

Maria attended Bisbee High School, where she met her first husband, Robert V. Coronado Sr. They married in January 1975 and, over the course of 15 years together, they raised four amazing children: Robert L. Coronado Jr. (Ashlee), Manuel L. Coronado, Gabriel L. Coronado, and Maria Xica Coronado. Maria was blessed with 13 beautiful grandchildren — Ziana, Joseph, Elijah, Victor, Michael, Theresa, Jaden, Alissa, Julio, Maddison, Zoe Grace, Daisy, and Eiza — and each one held a special place in her heart.

In May of 1990, she met the love of her life, Matt. They were married on April 12, 1991, and spent 34 loving years together. To her children, Maria and Matt’s bond was the definition of a true love story.

Matt stepped in to help raise her children as his own, and though it wasn’t always easy, they made it work — together. Their shared adventures included traveling near and far, riding motorcycles, and creating countless memories in places like New Mexico and Rocky Point, often with friends and family by their side.

Maria spent several years working at the courthouse in Bisbee before retiring due to health reasons, and she also held various jobs in town during her younger years. But what many remember most wasn’t what she did — it was who she was.

To most, she was known lovingly as “BooBoo.” She was the life of the party, always ready to dance, laugh, and bring joy wherever she went — especially when surrounded by her sisters and family during a backyard BBQ or a simple afternoon hangout.

At high school football games, she was the loud, proud confetti mom — cheering with such excitement that people often avoided sitting too close. But her sons always knew exactly where she was: in the stands, supporting them with everything she had.

With her daughter, Xica, she was a travel buddy, partner in crime, and constant source of laughter and love.

Maria adored her grandchildren. Every moment with them was precious, and she made sure those moments turned into memories — full of warmth, laughter, and love. She spoiled them in all the ways a grandmother should, and never let them forget how deeply they were loved.

Even after she became ill, Maria remained fearless. She was a source of strength and comfort to everyone around her — always ready with advice, reassurance, or a joke to lighten the mood. She reminded us that life shouldn’t stop, even on the hard days.

A memorial service to honor Maria’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Peppi’s House Hospice (Tucson, AZ), the Stroke Awareness Foundation, or the Dementia Awareness Foundation.

We’ll close with a quote that captures Maria’s spirit and the hope she carried in her heart:

“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue,

And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”

– Judy Garland