Maria de la Luz Alba

Maria de la Luz Alba passed into our Lord's hands June 29 at the age of 77 after a short illness with brain cancer. She passed away peacefully in her daughter's arms and with her son-in-law at her bedside. Her loving nature and spirit are the source of strength for the family and friends who have survived her.

Maria, or Luz as many called her, was born in 1929 in a small town in Jalisco, Mexico and made San Antonio her home in her early 30s. She worked the majority of her life and endured many hardships to ensure a better life for her parents and her daughter. Never having had a formal education, Maria taught herself how to read and write. When she came to the United States she also taught herself how to speak, read, and write English. She became a U.S. Citizen in the mid 70s, yet she never forgot her origin and Mexico always held a special place in her heart.

A devoted daughter, mother, sister, and friend, she placed the needs of others before her own. She faithfully served God and her church and was quite involved in church activities. She was a Eucharistic Minister for San Fernando Cathedral for many years and administered communion at church and to the ill. Her beautiful singing voice was dedicated to the Lord in hymns.

Always humble, Maria's fun and loving nature was reflected in all she did and in the lives she touched. She was always attentive and caring, even in the smallest of details.

She was an excellent cook and her love for plants and animals was boundless as was her energy and love of life which was a constant blessing and amazement to all who knew her.

Maria de la Luz is preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Sabina. She is survived by her daughter, Maria de Lourdes and son-in-law, Bart Christopher, her sisters Reynalda and Guadalupe, brother, Adolfo and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.

The family is most grateful to the staff at VITAS for the loving and professional attention she received while under their care.