Obituary of Hortensia Granillo Zabaleta

Tencha, age 84, of Chandler, AZ, passed away from natural causes on Sept 16, 2023, with family and loved ones by her side.

Tencha was the oldest of 11 children, Olivia, Jenny, James, Alfredo, Arthur, Ruben, Gloria, Lucy, Manuel, and Philip. She is survived by her sisters Jenny Sublasky and Gloria Granillo, her brother Philip Talamantez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Tencha was born on September 4, 1939.  She was married at a young age and loved her first husband Jose Urrea who passed away in his bed at her home on Morelos Street in Chandler. She remarried Roberto Zabaleta and lived together with him for many years then was widowed a second time earlier this year in February. She lived a simple life and loved her home and family. One of her proudest moments is when she was featured in the Chandler newspaper for having a chicken that laid multicolored eggs. She called it her “Golden Goose.” Tencha had no biological children of her own but she was “Mom” to so many that loved her. Whether you knew her as Tia Tencha, Sis, Tench, or Tencha, one thing is for sure she left her mark on you! You knew when you came into her house, she was going to sit you down and feed you some of the best Mexican food you ever tasted in your life! Then she would tell you, “Go Ahead Kill It.” And she would sit with you to laugh and tell stories with you, counsel you, cry with you, and even rebuke you if you needed it. She always knew what to say, even if you didn’t like it. She was loved and respected by all that were privileged to know her… By her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends and family. We were all her kids. Tia we all love you and are thankful for all you did for all of us, we will miss you with all our hearts… Can’t wait to be with you again!