Name: Brookside Funeral Home - Champions
Address: Houston, TX

Maria,

I can't believe you're gone.  I didn't even know that you moved to California.  I should have kept in touch with you especially because you and Dan and Lauren were my family for a long while.  I always believed that I would eventually see you again.  Maybe I will someday if I'm lucky enough to make it to heaven.  I really can't believe you're gone.  I love you.

Ray

I met Maria when she and Dan joined several of our classmates in Las Vegas for a destination 30th reunion. Dan went to school with us, but Maria fit right in, and we all fell in love with her immediately. We were able to maintain and grow the friendship we developed in just a few days since then by Facebook. Maria posted a question a few weeks ago about what song reminded us of her. My answer was Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. When I got in my car this morning to make the drive to Houston, I turned on the radio and Billie Jean was playing. My first thought was of me and Maria singing and dancing to Billie Jean in Las Vegas. We had such a wonderful time together. I am so grateful Maria became my friend.

Maria will truly be missed. She was like a big sister to me when she lived here in Houston. Always watching over me and Lisa. I only wish I would have had the chance to see her again in recent years.  We are all so very sorry for your sudden loss.   Doreen, Amber, and Colton Andrews

We had some good times as neighbors on Silvan Wind. Our last good time together was the walking tour of San Franciso in 2009; you and Dan. That was a morning to night trek topped off with Dungeness Crabs for dinner. I've attached a picture of you and Dan at our Tea Tasting.

We are very sorry for your loss. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. 

Mike, Gina and Jaden Grayum

Dan and I met in 6th grade and lived around the corner from each other. I only met Maria one time, but we spent 3 days together and by the end of our gathering it felt like I had known her forever. We all continued our friendship on Facebook over the past two years. Maria touched so many lives, mine included. I am so saddened by her passing. Dan and Lauren, my prayers are with you.

I had the pleasure of knowing Maria from the time she was eight years old. As a young girl I would take her and her sister with my son to Six Flags. 
Never having a daughter of my own, if I would have had one, I would have wanted her to be just like Maria!!! She was a very special Lady and will be missed.

Love,
Lou Paquet

7/1/2011

I met Maria only twice in my life, once approximately 10 years ago in Houston at her moms house when I visited breifly. It was great to meet 
family I had never seen before.
The second time we met was March of 2002 when Dan and Maria and Lauren
visted California and We spent part of a day wandering around the Disney Studios lot in Burbank exploring and taking pictures. It was a fun time with a happy family that I will always remember. Especially the smiley faces of Maria and Lauren.
Love,
Cousin,
George Rodriguez  
Pico Rivera, California

Family:

I loved her too, she was a special friend and we could be apart for a long time and when we got together a warm smile was all we needed to know all was well between us.
She was fun and most always had a good thing to say - she was fiercely loyal to her friends and had a good loving heart. I am just sorry she won't be at the celebration in her honor.
We know where she is and she will always be in our memories and our hearts.

I have so many fond memories of Maria.  She was a babysitter to my son and that I will always remember and be appreciative, but what I really remember is her sense of humor, her outspokenness which I admire, her stay with us in Denver, and just knowing her all these years.  Maria, you will be missed by all but not forgotten.  Hugs and kisses to you, Maria.

Its still hard to believe your gone. I will miss you and all your comments on facebook. I am so glad we continued our friendship even though we where miles apart. Forever Friends....Penny (aka nichel)

maria, i still can't grasp the fact that god has taken you so soon. when i received the news, it was the last thing I 
expected to hear. i try not to think about the fact that i won't 
get to speek to you on the 
phone or facebook. you were 
truly a special person. more 
special that you probably 
knew. i will forever treasure the friendship we had. i miss you so much. you will always, always have a special place in my heart. don't have to much fun up there without me. lots of jigs and kisses to you. love always, tanya

I love you and will forever miss you! Born to be friends, life made us sisters. Growing up side by side you taught me so much. I will be forever be grateful for all you did for me and all the memories we shared. My heart will always be missing a piece of it. 
Till we meet again my sister. May the heavens rejoice for they have a special angel "you"!
I love you

maria, i still can't grasp the fact that god has taken you so soon. when i received the news, it was the last thong i 
expected to hear. i try not to think about the fact that i won't 
get to speek to you on the 
phone or facebook. you were 
truly a special person. more 
special that you probably 
knew. i will forever treasure the friendship we had. i miss you so much. you will always, always have a special place in my heart. don't have to much fun up there without me. lots of hugs and kisses to you. love always, tanya

I Love you and will forever miss you. We were born to be friends but life made us sisters.  Side by side growing up you taught me a great deal. I will always be grateful for your endless love and friendship. Till we meet again my sister may the angels rejoice in the special gift heaven has received in you.

Dan, Genelle shared the sad news with us.  We'll always remember Maria's warm, energetic, contagious smile, helping out with anything that needed to be done at the BBQ's.  I pray that you are comforted knowing she's with the Lord.

Maria,
Who would of ever thought I would be writing these words today, It just doesn't seem real to me.
Your love, encouragement & chats on facebook the last few months kept me
going, I would of never thought we would loose You before my Mom & Dad.
Your funny & precious personality always lifted me when they would both be in the hospital, You always knew the right words to say, After 40 years you still had that sparkling awesome sense of humor that made you such a Doll, I was so blessed to of known you
& to of had you in my life. You will live on forever my Darling in the  peoples lives you so abundantly touched.

I Love You Maria,
Pauline Coghlan Steffen

My twinkling little star, how I wonder, Why?
One little girl visited us for such a little while.
I was blessed with laughter, singing and dancing,
Your hugs, a million smiles.

We danced and sang as families do, the love and joy we shared;
As a single parent, I was blessed!
The innocence of childhood, the wonderment of life –
As grownups we surrender that, our daughter never did.
I watched and marveled as she grew,
Her spirit was a testament for what is good and true.

I wanted to protect you, the clouds they filled with rain.
A parent’s job is hard you know, the helplessness was pain.
I held you close and felt your love,
I knew as well your fear.
The storms were strong, the darkness black as a parent I fought back.

My twinkling little star, it is hard to understand, but Why?
My love was not enough to keep my daughter near.

Those precious days now seem like minutes,
As I cherish all our memories.
I pray this be my treasury.
That my dreams be filled with minuets, smiles, songs and laughter.

My twinkling little star, I make a wish to you:
Please watch over us, throughout the night and day, 
Please guide us through these storms, and keep our fears at bay.
Someday we will join you, but until that day is true,
The rainbows, sun and flowers will be what reminds me of you.
Until we meet again my sweet angel.
With all my love and affection.
I love you Maria.
Mom

Dear Dan and Lauren:  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  We will miss Maria very much.

Dan and Lauren ,                        Sending prayers your way .Always remember how much she loved the both of you.May God carry you @ this time in you life. God Bless

Dan and Lauren you both will be in my prayers. Maria will be missed dearly. I remember when u guys met.

my dearest and oldest friend you are now a bright shining star in heaven. i will forever miss you and all that you did for me and others my sister. i love you

I worked with Maria at International Tours and I always enjoyed the little time I would get to spend with her whenever she came into the office - she was always a bright spot i my day. Dan, my thoughts are with you and the entire family.
lee raymond
houston

June 21, 2011

While I was working in Houston, TX, whenever I had  to travel, I always knew that once I contacted Maria, that I was in good hands and all would be taken care.
Well now, Maria is in good hands and God will take care of her.
Even though, I have long ago left Houston and Dan, Maria and Lauren relocated to CA, thru Cookie Preston, we occasionally stayed in touch and for that and for knowing such a lady, I will always be grateful.

We are thinking of you both,and are hoping your memories will get you through this difficult time.  I enjoyed so much working with Maria.
Carl & Barb Fricke, Lincoln,NE

Dan, Lauren and family, 
I am so saddened to hear of Maria's passing. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Dan and Lauren, 
Although no words can ease your pain, I hope it helps to know that I care and am sending my love and prayers to your family. Gone from this earth way too soon. I'll always remember her bright smile and crazy laugh.

I will always remember when we started working together.  I especially remember the time Dan came up to the office, with Lauren in the back seat, she was in a baby seat, to get you to settle her down.
You went out to the car and made them both behave.  I will miss you.
Love,
Cookie & Thomj

Dan and Lauren, 
Please know that my family is praying for you.  You guys held a special place in our hearts, and we have only the fondest memories of Maria.  We truly feel blessed to have known her.  When we think of her we smile, and now Dad has someone to talk to in Heavan.

Dan & Lauren,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Maria was a wonderful person and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always

What a shocking jolt I felt when my precious sister called me early, in the morning to tell me Maria her first born had died.  We both cried in disbelief and expressed our anguish.  Beth confided in me "God is a good God, it is not his fault she died.  Her heart just gave out that's all".  I agreed, God is a good God.  In our reflection, we should think about what we believe and why we believe it.  Maria made her covenants with God in Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Motherhood.  Maria was a good and decent person.  Also she was a good daughter,step-daughter, daughter-in-law, sister,niece,cousin,friend,and so on.  Know this, Maria was a believer and so she is risen, her address has changed from earth to heaven, that's all.  She loved us all and she will be sorely missed.  You knew her, you know she would want all of us to have the Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  God bless and keep you close.  
Aunt Sylvia
Faith is to believe what we do not see;and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.
Augustine

Maria, my dearest friend. I miss you more today than yesterday. It still feels like your away in Cali. I think about you constantly and of all the goods times we shared. You will always be In my heart. I love you sister.

My dearest mom.. Words cannot even begin to describe how empty I feel without you being here.. I am so proud to have been raised by such a wonderful mother!! And I will continue to be the daughter you raised me to be! I love you more than anything in the world!

I'm praying for family and friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you and loving memories to carry you through.  Maria was very special and reminds us all of how precious every moment is...what a blessing to have known her and called her friend.

My twinkling little star, how I wonder, Why?
One little girl visited us for such a little while.
I was blessed with laughter, singing and dancing,
Your hugs, a million smiles.

We danced and sang as families do, the love and joy we shared;
As a single parent, I was blessed!
The innocence of childhood, the wonderment of life –
As grownups we surrender that, our daughter never did.
I watched and marveled as she grew,
Her spirit was a testament for what is good and true.

I wanted to protect you, the clouds they filled with rain.
A parent’s job is hard you know, the helplessness was pain.
I held you close and felt your love,
I knew as well your fear.
The storms were strong, the darkness black as a parent I fought back.

My twinkling little star, it is hard to understand, but Why?
My love was not enough to keep my daughter near.

Those precious days now seem like minutes,
As I cherish all our memories.
I pray this be my treasury.
That my dreams be filled with minuets, smiles, songs and laughter.

My twinkling little star, I make a wish to you:
Please watch over us, throughout the night and day, 
Please guide us through these storms, and keep our fears at bay.
Someday we will join you, but until that day is true,
The rainbows, sun and flowers will be what reminds me of you.
Until we meet again.
With all my love and affection, I love you Maria.
Mom

My Precious Sister

I Wish I Could See You One More Time, Come Walking Through My Door
But, I Know That Is Impossible, I Will Hear Your Voice No More.
I Know You Can Feel My Tears, And You Don’t Want Me To Cry, Yet, My Heart Is Broken, Because I Can’t Understand Why, Someone So Precious Had To Die
...I Pray That God Will Give Me Strength, And Somehow Get Me Through
As I Struggle With This Heartache, That Was Caused By Losing You. 

I love you Maria and I miss you so much! Kisses from me to you!
Love your little sister Lisa

OBITUARY

Maria Isabel Neale

April 1, 1963 – June 15, 2011

Brookside Funeral Home - Champions

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services