Maria passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 97, surrounded by her family. Born on March 1, 1928, in David, Panama, she was a longtime resident of Houston, Texas, and previously lived in Columbus, Georgia.
She embraced life fully, finding great joy in her flower garden, sewing, painting, cooking, and her many travels and family adventures. She was especially proud to have renewed her driver's license in March 2025. Maria devoted herself to her family as a loving wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter, and is survived by her son Dale; daughters Kathy, Jeannie (husband Kunio), and Cindy (husband John); seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1953 Torch Hill Road, Columbus, GA. Interment will follow at Fort Benning Post Cemetery at 12:30 PM.
Maria will live forever in our hearts. Her love of family and life will be celebrated by all who knew her, for to know her was to love her.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Maria's honor to St Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children
