Cecilia Maximo

Cecilia “Cissy” Cocio Maximo, 79, passed away on Friday, February 27th, 2026. She was born in Tucson, Arizona on November 30th, 1946. She was a Tucson High School alum, Class of 1965. She also completed an Associate in Early Childhood Education from Pima Community College.Cissy took great pride in spending so many years of her life as an educator. Her path as an educator began at HeadStart as a cook and later a preschool teacher. She then served as the computer teacher at Manzo Elementary School from 1988 until 2006. After her time with TUSD, she worked for El Rio’s daycare from 2006 until 2012, taking care of 3 and 4 year olds.Her whole life, Cissy was a devout Catholic and passed these values onto her children. She had an enduring faith life and had great trust in our Lord and Blessed Mother. Many knew Cissy for her extensive turquoise jewelry collection. Her jewelry was a reflection of over 30 years of collecting turquoise, as well as her deep appreciation of Indigenous culture. She was also the proud owner of a midnight blue 1963 Chevy Impala that she loved to take for a cruise around her neighborhood.Some of her most admirable qualities were the ability to befriend anyone, make conversation, and maintain relationships. She loved being in community with her neighbors, students past and present, and her extended family and friends. She had the ability to make a conversation with a stranger and learn something about their life. Wherever Cissy went, she was going to see a friend or make a new one. She took the time to make a connection with everyone through her actions. Whether it be gifting them something that reminded her of them or giving them a phone call when she was thinking of them.Cissy was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and educator. She is survived by her husband Joe Maximo; daughters and son-in-laws Monique, Michelle (Daniel), and Socorro (Jeremy); grandchildren Veronique, Jose, Mia, Daniela, and Anisa; great-grandchildren Joseph and Valentina; and siblings Willie, Carmen, and Jimmy.

Friends and family are invited on Thursday, March 26th, 2026 to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Roman Catholic Church for a rosary beginning at 10:15 a.m. followed by a mass at 11 a.m. The burial will take place after mass at Holy Hope Cemetery.