Maria E. Villanueva, 93, beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, in Granada Hills, California, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, David, her parents, Estela and Emilio Velazquez, son-in-law, Randy Ott, grandson, Willie Pickering, and great-grandson, Angel Mendoza.
Maria was born on December 11, 1932, in Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico to Estela and Emilio Velazquez. In 1950 she married David R. Villanueva and they immediately began to build their large family while he served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
A long-time resident of the San Fernando Valley, she is survived by her six children, Ana “Patsy” Ott, David Jr. (Joyce), Estela (Earl) Pickering, Melinda (Warren) Huskey, Ricardo "Chato" (Cyndi) and Barbara “Stormy”; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Her colorful expressions will be missed, and she’ll be forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be held on August 14th at 10:00 AM at Eternal Valley Mortuary Chapel, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321 (661) 259-0800.
