Maria Elena, more commonly known as "Nena" or Mary Ellen Arias, 73, of San Tan Valley passed away Monday, Oct. 17, 2022. Nena was born in Superior, Ariz. to Lorenzo and Maria Jesus Martinez. She was married to her husband of 52 years, Michael Arias. The two created strong roots when they settled in Mesa, Ariz. Nena loved the beach and Disneyland family vacations. She and her husband moved to San Tan Valley, Ariz. in 2006. It was there she spent countless hours tending to her beautiful backyard garden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Lorenzo, sister Alice, niece Gloria and nephew Arthur. She is survived by her husband; their daughters Theresa and Pilar; their sons, Javier and Elias; and six grandchildren with one more on the way.