Maria LaRochelle, cherished and respected by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 2, 2025. She was 92 years old. Maria is now reunited with her beloved parents, Nikolas and Panagiota Melaki; her sisters, Demetra Toula Byrd and Lula Seraskeri; her husband, MSgt. Ralph George LaRochelle; her son, Philip Nicholas LaRochelle; her nephew, Carl Anglin; and her brother-in-law, William Byrd.
Born on November 3, 1932, in Kalamaki, Greece, Maria's life journey led her to meet and marry a young American airman, Ralph LaRochelle. She became a proud US citizen, and together they built a family while experiencing the world through various military assignments. Despite their travels, their hearts always drew them back to Greece, where they extended tours of duty to be near her parents. After Ralph's retirement, they settled in San Antonio, Texas, where they became active and cherished members of the Greek community at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. Maria held her Greek heritage close to her heart and delighted in sharing the tastes of Greece through her culinary skills with family and friends.
Maria embraced her role as “YiaYia,” the matriarch of her family, with immense pride. She was a woman of strong will and determination, yet possessed the grace to love gently, nurture her family's Greek roots, and give unconditionally. Her kindness, creativity, and love for her family will forever resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.
Maria is survived by her son, Thomas Mark LaRochelle; her grandchildren, Anna Alcorn, Katherine LaRochelle, Chelsie LaRochelle, Dylan LaRochelle, and Amanda LaRochelle; and her great-grandchildren, Nola LaRochelle, Josey Scott, William Alcorn, and Olivia Alcorn. She is also survived by her niece, Mary Morris; her grandnephews, Braiden and Nikolas Morris; along with many cousins, grandnieces, grandnephews, friends, and neighbors, who will forever carry her memory.
A visitation will take place on Sunday, July 20, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough.
A funeral service will take place on Monday, July 21, at 12:30 p.m., at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, with a graveside service to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
