Maria M Cross

Born February 2, 1943 in Benacebana, Granada, Spain to Angel and Carmen (Martinez) Milan, she married Paul J. Cross, Sr. on April 11, 1964 in Seville, Spain. He died September 2, 2015 in Peoria. She had met Paul in Spain while he was serving in the United States military.

Surviving are one son, Paul Cross, Jr. of Taylors, South Carolina; one daughter, Ina Burnside of Pekin; two grandsons, Ryan (Jessica) Cross of Pekin and Garrett Burnside of Peoria; one brother, Angel (Rafcila) Martinez Milan of Barcelona, Spain; and four sisters, Patricia Goff, Merida Gianascoli and Carmen Jones, all of San Diego, California, and Amalia (Miguel) Guevara Bayona of Barcelona, Spain.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Miguel Martinez Milan; and two sisters, Isabell Martinez Milan and Dolores Martinez Milan.

Maria had owned and operated Maria’s Bridal Boutique for several years. She also had been a seamstress at Ginny Lee’s. She had assisted her late husband and family in administrative work for ANBC (Annuity National Brokerage Company) in Pekin.

She attended Pekin Lighthouse Church of God.

Maria was an energetic and determined individual who was passionate for all animals. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening and working in her yard.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2017 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Bishop David Routien and the Rev. Steve Colyer will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614, or to the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com