Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and sister Maria Monsterrat Perez Fernandez was called to heaven on January 18, 2024. Mary or Mrs. Fernandez, as most knew her as their elementary school teacher, was born April 2, 1937 In Jerome, Arizona. She was one of two daughters born to Sabino and Maria (Perez) Carbajal. At a very young age, Mary and her sister Nela (Vera) lost their mother. Their mothers sister, Reyes Benavidez, raised Mary and Nela as one of her own. Mary enjoyed growing up in Jerome, AZ and it was there she met the love of her life, Mike Fernandez. After finishing high school, and upon Mike's return from the military they had a plan to run off and elope. They married on May 11, 1957 and had three children Michael, Edward "Skeeter", and Maria "Terry". The family moved to Superior after Terry was born. Mike began work at the mine and supported Mary to begin her studies at Arizona State University to become a teacher. She graduated in May of 1973 and began teaching 3rd grade the same year. She later went on to earn a Degree in Interior Design and a Master's Degree in Education. Mary was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Mary loved teaching and interacting with her students. Many will recall being called a "cabeza de huevo" as a term of endearment. Her favorite project at school was to teach her class to dance and host a Baile Folklórico show every school year. She would often tell her grandchildren that being a teacher "has to be a job you do because you love it." She retired from Superior School District after 32 years of teaching and substituting. Mary loved visiting and chatting on the phone with friends and family. She often cooked and baked for her grandchildren either sending food or luring them in for a visit. Mary is survived by her daughter Maria Fernandez (Mike) brothers; Tony Benavidez and Pete Benavidez. Her grandchildren; Orlando Tameron, Niki Fernandez (Michael) Senyssa Beard (Drew), Nico Manriquez, 25 Great-Grandchildren and 8 Great-Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Mike Fernandez, sons; Michael and Edward "Skeeter"; grandson, Michael Fernandez II, and sisters; Nela Vera, Carmela Cervantes, and Natalia Perkins.