Maria Escamilla Berger

Born in Laredo, Texas, Maria was the eldest of four children of Susana Moreno and Tereso Escamilla. She was immensely proud of her Texas roots.

Due to her father’s illness, Maria began working at a young age to support her family. While working as a candy striper, she met a young airman, Robert Berger, who was stationed at Lackland AFB. They married in 1952 and he was the love of her life until his passing in 2001.

As a devoted wife and mother, Maria made a loving home wherever her family was stationed across the U.S. and Canada. She was also instrumental in raising her two granddaughters, who fondly remember Friday night sleepovers filled with pizza and movies.

Later in life, when many would have considered retirement, Maria went back to work. She spent 20 years at Captain Kidd’s, where she worked until the age of 80. She cherished every moment there, caring for children across generations. Being a caregiver was her superpower, and she touched countless lives with her kindness.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Berger, and her siblings, Guadalupe Escamilla and Lucia Cisneros.

She is survived by her only daughter, Mary Ann Purdy, and son-in-law, Michael Purdy; her beloved granddaughters, Laura Purdy and Jennifer Purdy, and husband Zack Stumbo; and her treasured great-grandsons, Dylan Stumbo and Gavin Stumbo. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Tereso Escamilla, as well as her loving niece, Vera Richards, and husband Roy Richards. Maria leaves behind many cherished nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and dear friends.

Maria’s final wish was simple: take care of one another. In her memory, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization she held dear. St. Jude never let her down.

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