Dionicia Adela Vargas Villarreal de Corzo

Dionicia Adela Vargas Villarreal de Corzo was born in Puno, Peru on October 9, 1919. She died of natural causes on May 17, 2020 at 100 years old in Holladay, Utah at the home of her daughter who cared for her.

Mama “Adelita” as many called her lived a long wonderful life. She came from humble beginnings, the eldest of five children whom she had a hand in raising after her own mother passed away at a young age. Her role as mother was prominent through her life, often mothering relatives, grand children and even great grandchildren. She was a pioneer in the true sense of the word. She taught herself how to read when she had to leave formal education to raise her siblings. Later, she opened her own business in the local market and became a successful business woman.

While she miscarried and had stillborns, she is survived by her first born, Irsa Corzo Cheadle and Antonio Corzo. She was very involved in her religious affiliations, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served many years in the Church and was one of the first members in Arequipa, Peru where she spent many of her adult years until the time of retirement. Although she never really retired. She was an extremely opinionated, hard working woman whom upon closing her store, came to the United States to help her daughter, Irsa raise her family. She helped raise her grand-daughter, Eryn and she helped her son, raise his son, Rodolfito. Her self-less service to others live on through all the people she has aided in her life. Her lasting memory never to be forgotten in those lives she so intimately touched.

She was wise and witty, and active until the very last moments of her life. She believed in having a healthy mind, spirit and body, doing yoga daily until she was ninety-five-years old. She cooked for those she loved, there was always a warm meal and good conversation at Mama Adelita’s home. She welcomed everyone into her home, feeding missionaries of the LDS church until well into her nineties. She loved life. In her twenties she bragged about dancing until the wee hours of the morning, often wearing holes in her shoes. Even in her nineties, she would dance around her small apartment listening to ditties in Quechua. She also spoke Aymara and Quechua, often using phrases to chastise grandchildren.

She loved fully and was loved by all that she impacted. Generations of children raised by her will always remember her. Her zest for life was addicting and inspiring. She gave hope to those who had lost theirs and direction to those who needed it most. She will be deeply missed by all who crossed her path.

She is survived by her husband, Rodolfo Corzo. She and her husband spent 67 wonderful years of marriage together. Her daughter and son, Irsa Corzo Cheadle and Antonio Corzo, respectively. Her grandchildren, Eryn Stansfield, MD, Arthur and Gabryelle Cheadle, Rodolfo Corzo and Gouliana Corzo. And her great grandchild, Smith Stansfield. And her sister, Guillerma Fortunata Vargas Vilarreal de Frisancho. And several nieces and nephews.

May you rest in peace with everlasting love, Adelita. We will all miss you until we meet again.