Maria (Lala) was a big hearted and loving Wife, Mother, Grand/Great Great Grandmother, Mother-in-Law, Aunt and friend. She passed away peacefully on January 25, 2021 at the age of 87. She is survived by her children Loretta (Peter), Laura, Daniel (Katherine), Michael, Margaret (David), Ernest (Terry) and 39 grand/great great grandchildren.
Maria is best remembered for her love of God and family, her kindness, her big heart in caring for others and her love of all children. Maria loved being a wife and mother and she enjoyed connecting with people. When her children got older, she explored new interests. She went to work as a teacher’s aide, enjoyed seasonal work at the State Fair and Encanto Park pool and concession stand. She also spent many years volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, as a poll worker, and at the school PTA and Booster Club. She loved these interests because they allowed her to be around kids and make many lifelong friends. She was a social butterfly and always had a big smile for all.
The celebration of Maria’s life will take place on Monday, February 22, 2021 with a private visitation and rosary at Greenwood Mortuary. A private mass will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. (A live stream of the mass will be available for viewing online.) A private interment will follow the mass at St. Francis Cemetery. Due to restrictions, all celebrations will be private for Maria’s immediate family only. Flowers can be sent to Greenwood Mortuary, 719 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to St. Vincent DePaul, as Maria was a 25-year volunteer there and very passionate about helping people in need.
