Maria Cristina Nogales

Born in San Andres, Ixtlan Jalisco Mexico on June 8, 1944. She migrated to Los Angeles, CA in 1961 with her late mother, Maria de Jesus Estevez and her siblings, she was the youngest of six. Maria was raised with strong principles that taught her perseverance, love, Catholic faith and family unity above all. She met the love of her life, Antonio in 1963 and married on June 25, 1966. Together they went on to raise their family in San Diego, CA where they started their life journey in humble beginnings.

Maria is remembered by many as a kind soul, she had a heart of gold. She cared deeply for the people around her often supporting them through prayer, love, and on occasion her famous enchiladas. She was a selfless woman who opened her heart and home to those in need. Having fostered children while raising her own, she always felt the urge to help others. Maria was the person you went to for guidance. She was a good listener, but she also told you what you didn't want to hear – usually saying, “Déjame decirte algo, hay un dicho que dice…”.

Maria was a collector of rocks and seashells, they served as a souvenir from her travels but she also admired their beauty and strength. Her favorite hobbies included, cooking, home decorating, painting ceramics and making floral arrangements. But perhaps her greatest love, was building her family. She raised her children with the same principles she was raised with. She encouraged and supported them all in their own journey and made an effort to be present for the milestones often sacrificing her own endeavors.

She is survived by her husband Antonio with whom she shared 57 years of marriage; her five children and their spouses: Silvia, Frank (Elizabeth), Laura (Damian), Tony and Melissa (Edgar); and ten grandchildren: Alec, Frankie, Victoria, Carissa, Jessica, Jacob, Brianna, Javier, Isabella and Sophia.

Maria’s laughter and fun loving personality would bring life into a dull room and she would expect the same from all who will be present during her services. With that being said, the family invites you to her wake on Thursday, June 29th at Funeraria del Angel located at 607 National City Blvd, National City 91950 from 2pm – 10pm with the Rosary commencing at 6pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 30th at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum located at 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego 92102 at 9am. Her final resting will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. To conclude the Celebration of Life, a reception will be held at the Torres residence located at 1871 Jeffrey Ave., Escondido 92027.

Maria requested guests wear a article of white clothing to her services to symbolize her purity, peace, and rebirth. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or Maria’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org.

John 14:27-29 NIV

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 28 "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.