Obituary of Adela Zaccagnini

Adela Zaccagnini (Aranda)

Passed away on January 3, 2024. She was 85 years old. Adela was born on February 9, 1938 in Hayden, Arizona She was the youngest of three sisters and four brothers. Adela was born to parents Simon Aranda and Dolores Santa Cruz Aranda. Adela graduated from Hayden high school with honors and 4-year University Scholarship. Adela married Leopoldo Aguirre and were parents to 3 children (Robert, Sylvia, And Patricia). Adela and Leopoldo divorced in the early 1970s. Adela continued raising her 3 children and began full time employment working for the Western Auto Store chain where she worked in payroll administration throughout the 70s. Adela met and fell in love with James A. Zaccagnini who she referred to as the “love of her life”. James and Adela married in 1981. James was loved by all the family and was a wonderful loving husband and stepfather. Adela continued her working career up through the mid-1980s working for ‘KVOA TV’ then ‘NOSOTROS’ Community Social Services. At the behest of her loving husband Adela left her working career to enjoy more time with her husband and family. Adela was ecstatic at the birth of her first grandchild in 1987 and her initiation to Grandmotherhood. Adela sadly lost her beloved husband James in 1991 from a heart attack. They were married for only ten tears but she remembered them as ten of her happiest of years. She returned to her working career as the Project Coordinator of ‘Project Ayuda’ social services a subsidiary of Catholic Community Services until she retired in 2005. She enjoyed her remaining years as an adoring and loving Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, and dear friend to many. She was an avid reader of mystery and science fiction. She was a fan of Star Trek, and Star Wars movies and was always ready to have an intellectual discussion concerning the paranormal and UFO sightings.

On December 28th Adela suffered a massive stroke that impacted her left side mobility and speech. Adela spent most of remaining time as a resident of an Assisted Living Care Home, where she made new friends. She was happy there and loved all the staff members as if family. On January 3rd Adela left us peacefully to join her beloved James and all her loved ones that preceded her.

Adela is survived by her son Robert Aguirre (Linda), Daughter Sylvia Lee (Glenn) and Daughter Patricia Ferguson (Ken), Grandchildren: Stephan, Zachary, Alexis, Sara, Kenny, Lindsay, Cory and four great grandchildren. Six Nephews, Six Nieces and many dear friends.

Memorial service and celebration of life in honor of Adela A. Zaccagnini to be held on Friday February 9th at 2:00 PM. Location: St Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 507W 29th St., Tucson Az, 85713