The PECHACEK family, 

On behalf of the staff of Arlington Memorial Park, we extend our heartfelt condolences to you and yours. May you find comfort in cherished memories and peace in the days ahead.

I miss you, my beloved friend. I am grateful to have known you in this lifetime. You bring joy, love, and kindness. Marianna will grow up with you in her heart. I love you and am so thankful our paths crossed and our friendship deepened. I hope to keep your memory alive for Marianna ❤️

My wife, son and are deeply saddened by this sudden loss and are offering our deepest condolences.  Maria was a very kind and loving person and mother and were grateful to have known her.  May God all mighty bring peace and healing during this difficult time but you are not alone as the Garcia and Trimmer family will always be here by your side.

My precious coworker and friend…I was so blessed to cross paths with her sweet spirit. Maria was one of the few that always checked on me, helped me out and made sure I was good when I first joined DFWED. She was like a big sister to me even though she was younger than me. She was a wealth of knowledge and super smart! She loved her family dearly and made us feel a part of her family with the stories she would share, especially about Marianna. Oh Maria, I will miss you so much. I know we will see each other again so this is just “see you later”! I will miss our morning talks and laughs and your smile. Love you girl.

Growing up, some of my favorite memories with Maria were our family Christmases, going up north with all the cousins to the cabin, and sitting together watching fireworks in the summer. Those moments felt so simple and special, and I’ll always hold onto them.

One thing I’ll never forget is how thoughtful she was. When I had my baby, she took the time to send me a gift, and it meant so much to me. That was just the kind of person she was. Her soul has always been so kind.

It’s hard to believe she’s gone. I’m so grateful for the memories I have with her, and I’ll always remember her with love.

I am sending love to everyone grieving her loss. She will be deeply missed.

I am so lucky and grateful to have known Maria. Maria was not only my babysitter, but a dear, close family friend. I will always cherish the memories we shared, especially from my childhood, when she babysat me.  I will always remember how Maria would invite me to swim in her pool, and she would play in the pool with me for hours. I never wanted to leave her house because I always had so much fun with her. Maria was so kind, patient, and supportive towards me. Maria was always such a good role model for me growing up, and she felt like the older sister I never had. Maria would always go above and beyond for me and continued to stay in touch with me after she moved to Georgia. I always enjoyed visiting her and her family when I was down there. I will miss her smile, kindness, and the thoughtful cards she sent to me every holiday. My heart breaks for the family and Mariana. If Mariana ever needs someone to talk to about how amazing her mom was, I will always be there for her and the family.  - Alicia Lopez

To my dear friend, coworker turned family, my heart is broken by your passing. We were just planning dinner for Friday, and it’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for the joy, laughter, and beautiful memories you shared with everyone around you. You were truly loved and will never be forgotten. Praying for comfort, strength, and peace over your family and all who loved you. I love you always.

To Maria's family, my heart breaks for you. Her presence in my life was so important. 
I can only imagine what she meant to all of you. I will miss my dear friend. Myself and the DFWED Crew as we called ourselves, loved her so much! Her smile and that laugh that got us into to trouble for being to loud LOL. The Hump day jokes, the walks, the lunches, the after work dinners, the Teams meet ups,  all of those memories, I will cherish forever. Rest peacefully my dear friend. You will never be forgotten ❤️ 

LB

Maria has been wonderful colleague, caring friend and strong mentor. She greeted everyone with kindness. She loved her family  and especially her daughter so dearly and often shared stories of her weekend adventures with the team at work. Maria was also incredibly talented. I learned a great deal from her over the time we worked together. I will miss her so much and will be sending my thoughts to her family in the days, weeks, months and years ahead as we grieve this loss while celebrating the incredible impact she had on so many lives. With love and gratitude to her family for sharing Maria with us.

Maria was a warm spirit, beautiful smile, humbled disposition, and overall kindhearted person. 
I am going to miss you! Each time I spoke with you, you brought a comforting smile to my face. 
Please know your family are in my prayers. 
Family to have lost a beautiful butterfly is heartbreaking but know her spirit will remain. With deepest sympathy.

Monique S. Browning

The word to describe Maria is Sweet. She was the sweetest person I knew. I met Maria when she was referred to me by her High School councilor. I was looking for a babysitter after school to watch my now 29yr old son. Austin was 4yrs when I met Maria. You could tell she was going to make a great mother from the care she provided not only to my son but also to my daughter Alicia that came along 8yrs later. She developed a bond with both Austin and Alicia that lasted to this day. Not only was she their babysitter throughout the years she was their friend taking them to Summerfest, swimming in their pool and other fun activities. She helped Austin get his first job at Mykonos restaurant where she worked as a hostess. My daughter planned a trip to Atlanta to visit with Maria and a few other friends she knew in the suburbs. Maria was so kind to pick Alicia up from the airport and had her stay with her , taking her to the zoo with her own daughter, Mariana. She even went out of her way to drop Alicia off at her friends house where she continued her trip, but that was Maria. She sent them birthday and Christmas cards until this year, always with some cash inside which we told her was not necessary but that was our dear sweet Maria. She had a heart of gold and we will miss that sweet smile, her soft giggles and watching her with the proud look on her face showing off her beautiful daughter. The Lopez family, Diane, Fernando, Alicia and Austin are so heartbroken that Maria has left us too soon. We will cherish the memories with our dear neighbors Davia and Wyane. Please know that we are here for you and  that Juan takes care of his sweet little Mariana  reminding her she is walking in her mother’s footsteps to one day become a great, smart  woman like her mom.

I only knew Maria for a short time through Kindergarten at Saint Jude, but in that time, I could already tell she was someone truly special. She always had a smile on her face and carried such a calm, warm presence. She listened genuinely, took interest in the people around her, and made others feel seen and comfortable.

Although we didn’t know each other long, I already felt close to her. Given the impact she had on me in such a short time, I can only imagine how many lives she touched throughout her life.

My heart aches for sweet Marianna, for the loss of baby Rosianna, and for all of Maria’s family and friends who loved her so deeply. Please know that Marianna is surrounded by love and support from our Saint Jude community, and we will continue to be there for her in all of the days ahead.

Sending heartfelt condolences, prayers, and love to all who were fortunate enough to know Maria.

I miss her already, and I love her so much. Maria was one of the purest souls I have ever crossed paths with. She was an amazing mother, a beautiful woman, and the kind of person whose aura was nothing but light and love. Whether in person, over the phone, or even through a text, you could feel her warmth.
She stood beside the people she loved through everything — right or wrong — and she would fight for you without hesitation. A friendship like hers is rare, and I will forever be grateful to have known and loved her. She and baby Rosianna will be deeply missed and never forgotten

My deepest sympathy to Maria's family during this heartbreaking time. Words cannot fully express the sadness of losing Maria and her precious baby.
Maria and I met in college during chemistry lab, and from that moment, a beautiful friendship began. She was truly one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever known. Maria had a beautiful spirit, was generous with her time, always ready to help others, and able to make friends wherever she went. Her warm smile could light up any room, and her caring heart touched the lives of so many.
She was an amazing mother, full of love and devotion, and someone who embraced life with joy and adventure. Maria was always ready for new experiences, and I will forever cherish the fun memories and trips we shared. Those moments of laughter, friendship, and adventure will remain in my heart forever.
I will miss you greatly, our talks, our laughter, and the way we made our birthday goals together every year. I will miss your smile, your energy, your encouragement, and simply having you in my life. Thank you for the beautiful memories and the friendship you gave so freely.
Maria’s kindness, strength, and loving nature will never be forgotten. Though her life and her baby’s life were taken too soon.
May God bring comfort, strength, and peace to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Maria and her baby will always be remembered with love and deeply missed.

My sincere condolences go out to Maria's family and friends on the immeasurable loss of Maria and her baby Rosianna. One thing I truly admired about Maria was her magical way of making each person feel seen, supported, and cared for. She was such a sweet and kindhearted person. I will never forget the positive light she brought with her wherever she went, and I will miss her infectious smile and laughter.  I pray for the comfort and strength of her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

I was very sorry and saddened to hear the news about Maria and the baby. When she saw me coming, she already had a smile on her face because she knew I was coming over there to say something funny or off the wall to get her and the other colleagues going. She was a delightful young lady to work with. Although she's gone to soon, memories of her will live on forever. 
My sincere condolences & prayer are with the family as you navigate through this difficult time.

I will miss hearing Maria talking to herself and laughing on the other side of our neighboring cubicle desks and seeing her smiling face. Maria was so kind and thoughtful, and it was an honor to work with her all these years. She made me feel so welcome when I came back to work a few months ago and helped me more than she'll ever know by just being the sweet person that she is. 

I am so sorry for your losses. Maria is deeply missed.

Earlier in the year Maria was on a detail and working in a different location than the floor and location we typically shared. I was entering the building from the south, and at the same time, Maria was entering the building from the north. We saw each other, and Maria came bounding toward me with the biggest happiest smile, and I was bounding toward her with a like disposition. We hugged, and exchanged updates, and hugged again. Maria just knew exactly what I needed to feel comforted and supported.  I am privileged to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and others suffering from this incredible loss.

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Gone too soon. I'm deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful colleague & friend. Her kindness, laughter, and warmth touched everyone who knew her. Though no longer in our sight, her light still shines—warming us. May you find the strength, love, and compassion to help through the days ahead.

I want to express my deepest condolences on the loss of Maria. She was an exceptional colleague and a caring person whose dedication and kindness made our workplace better every day. Her professionalism, generosity, and friendly spirit left a lasting impression on all of us who had the privilege to work beside her. We will remember her fondly and miss her greatly. Please accept my sincere sympathy during this very difficult time. If there is anything I can do to assist or to honor Maria’s memory, I would be grateful to help.

Sometimes at work, or even in life, your path crosses with someone who, from the very first meeting, leaves a lasting and positive impression on your heart and life. Maria was that person. Her infectious smile, kindness, friendship, and support will always be remembered. Working alongside her was truly a gift, and her presence touched so many lives. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Rest Well My Friend Job Well Done!

I had the pleasure of working with Maria since her first day in the Division. She was warm and kind and excelled in all she did. She was a huge help to me and my team on many occasions. We enjoyed chatting about our lives as moms and the joy of seeing our children grow into the sweet kiddos they are. I will miss popping into her office and being greeted with her smile, but I am confident that one day we will see her again in Heaven. Rest well Maria, until that sweet reunion in glory. Love, Racquel

My dearest cousin. I love you. I will miss you. May perpetual light shine upon your soul and eternal rest be granted. May Rosieanna rest easy in your arms with Jesus.

Maria was more than just a colleague; she was a source of inspiration, guidance, and support for so many of us.
Her dedication to her work was matched only by her kindness and generosity. Whether through her words of encouragement, her willingness to lend a helping hand, or her ability to find humor even in the toughest moments, Maria made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her absence is deeply felt, but her legacy lives on, the memories we cherish, and the example she set.
As I say goodbye, I hold onto the knowledge that Maria made a difference—not only in my work but in the lives of all who had the honor of calling her a colleague and friend.

My condolences to the family.  So sad for you all.  May God comfort you.

Maria was a hard working and astute colleague and an abundantly kind friend. We had a brief overlap while working at the CDC in the Public Health Associate Program at our assignments with the Minneapolis Health Department, where she made a significant positive impact on communities across Minneapolis. Her career was dedicated to the wellbeing of others and the public health field was fortunate to have such an incredible agent for good.

I will miss Maria’s sweet smile, brilliance and the calm she brought to the office everyday!  She was a ray of sunlight and always had her colleagues back. She was so smart, a great leader, mentor and always professional.  She loved her family so much including her work family.

Visitation

Funeral Mass

Committal

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She is survived by loving partner, Juan Cruz; daughter, Marianna Pechacek; mother, Davia Mattson; father, Wayne Pechacek; brother, Jeff (Tonya) Meverden; nephews, Jeffery Meverden and Xander Meverden; godmother, Charisse Atton; godfather, Tom Pechacek; many other relatives and dear friends.

OBITUARY

Maria Pechacek

November 1, 1988 – May 5, 2026

H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

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