Maria Rocio Guillen

Maria Rocio Guillen (Del Rio) was born March 22, 1962, in Zacatecas, Mexico to Jose Angel Del Rio and Virginia Juarez Del Rio. She was welcomed home by her older brother, Salvador Juarez.  The family moved to Utah shortly after Maria was born but her heart always remained in Mexico.  

Maria grew up in Ogden, UT and attended St. Joseph schools through high school. After high school, she attended Weber State University for a short time before leaving to explore new opportunities.  

In her early 20’s, Maria started working at Mervyn’s Department store where she made many lasting friendships. She was part of the Mervyn’s family for over 20 years before venturing into insurance.  

Maria married Patrick R. Guillen in 1983. Together they welcomed their three beautiful daughters into the world, Crystal, Shanel and Sharee. They lived in Clearfield as a family until their divorce in 2003. 

After their divorce, Maria moved to South Ogden where she fell in love with gardening. She would spend many hours in the summer playing in the dirt with her dog Milo by her side. Eventually, Maria moved back into her childhood home where she would care for her elderly parents.  

Maria’s true loves were her beautiful green-eyed grandchildren, Alli Isabelle and Adrian Alejandro Rio. She loved spending time with them and helped care for them in their early years.   

Maria passed away peacefully with her three daughters by her side, on April 25, 2023, at McKay Dee Hospital. Although they are heartbroken, they find peace knowing she is reunited with her parents and other loved ones. Maria will be remembered for her love of Mexican music and her favorite song, “My Maria” by Brooks & Dunn, as well as her weekend getaways to Wendover and her love for cooking. Maria’s gentle soul and infectious smile will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Until we see you again…. We love you Chio.  

Our family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff at McKay Dee Hospital; the care Maria received was exceptional.  The nursing staff/techs went above and beyond to care for our Maria and we will be forever grateful.  

Maria is survived by her daughters, Crystal (Scott Fortugno) Guillen, Shanel (Mariano Mendoza) Guillen-Mendoza and Sharee Guillen. Her two grandchildren, Alli Isabelle and Adrian Alejandro Rio Mendoza. Her brother Salvador (Abby) Juarez. Also, her partner of nine years, Randy Sosa.  She is already greatly missed by her two dogs, Bleu and Penne.  

Funeral Mass to take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (514 24^th Street Ogden, UT 84401) on May 5, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Interment of ashes to follow at Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park (4500 S Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403) where she will be placed to rest with her parents. Celebration of Life to follow at Stella’s Italian Restaurant (225 25^th Street Ogden, UT 84401) All are welcome for dinner and visitation from 3-6 pm.