Obituary of Alicia Kanoza

Alicia Arriaga Kanoza, 84, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020, El Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe. Alicia was born in Tucson, at the “Stork’s Nest “on September 13, 1936 in what is now known as El Presidio Historic District. Preceded in death by her husband, George Henry Kanoza; her sister, Georgina Irene Arriaga; father, Alfonso Montoya Arriaga; and mother, Alicia Cocio Arriaga. She is survived by her sister, Lydia Herran (Frank); sons, Andrew Kanoza and Kristopher Kanoza (Sandra); grandchildren, Adriana Kanoza, Lore Kanoza Montez (Chris), Mikel Kanoza, and Teresa Kanoza; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Viktor Kanoza, and Tessla Kanoza; as well as her beloved nieces and nephew. “Grammy,” as she was known to her grandkids, was a cherished grandmother figure to family friends and relatives alike.

“Alicita” grew up in Tucson attended S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic School, was in the first Freshman class at Salpointe Catholic High and graduated from Tucson High. A determined and hard-working person from the start, Alicia reminisced often about spending her childhood and teenage years helping her mother with chores and errands. Growing up around 4th and 6th Avenues, she could be found roller skating down the street from time to time.

After graduating high school, Alicia met George Kanoza, with whom she would raise two sons and spend her life with until his death in 2010. The two enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially Edward and Mary Agnes Arriaga, and in their later years would enjoy bike rides near the Catalina Mountains. Alicia worked in banking and made many close friends throughout her long career. She worked tirelessly, but during her free time she enjoyed outings with her sisters and grandchildren, listening to music (especially the Chieftains), spending time with family, and reading voraciously. Alicia was interested in the history of Tucson and enjoyed visiting the historic neighborhood where she was born and sharing memories of her beloved city. Known for her style and elegance, Alicia will also be remembered for her graceful aesthetic. She was outspoken, witty, intelligent, and discerning. She would let you know that she didn’t care for cooking but she was damn good at it, especially her frijoles.

Alicia was loved and admired by many, and each of us will miss her so dearly. She was fortunate to belong to a close and loving family, and we were all fortunate to love and know her. Her son, Andrew Kanoza (and Truck) made sure she was never alone in her final years and our family is grateful to him for that. We all hold our times with her so close to our hearts and her impact on us is eternal.

Our family adamantly wants to thank the dedicated and loving members of the ICU Unit at Northwest Hospital, who so diligently and tirelessly gave our Mother the best care possible. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona Historical Society, an organization dedicated to teaching Tucson’s history.