Maria Teresa Batres

Maria Teresa Batres embodied the spirit of "Loving your neighbor as yourself." Her elegance was in her simplicity, yet she was rich in wisdom, courage, compassion, hope, respect, responsibility and integrity. All of her qualities were ultimately based from her faith in the Lord, which guided her throughout her life. An independent woman, she strove to teach her family how to make wise decisions and to properly plan for the future. She encouraged people to pursue their dreams and education, but to never forget where one comes from. Her outgoing spirit and energy went hand in hand with her consideration and compassion for others. She always sought to put others needs before her own. Her selfless way in anything she did made the gestures she showed beautiful, no matter how simple.

Maria Teresa Batres was born to Ruperta Marcelina in Santa Tecla hospital in Santa Tecla City, El Salvador. At the age of thirteen, her family moved to Santa Ana. She was the eldest child of four children. Growing up she and her sisters (Zoyla, Rosa, & Antonia) were close. She attended school up until the sixth grade, but had to learn the responsibilities of life early on as she was chosen to sacrifice her childhood to raise her three younger sisters and managing the household.

Maria met the love of her life, Carlos Batres, while they were both serving in the military. She was the Executive Chef of the military canteen. He was a Lieutenant in the Salvadorian Army. In 1959 they declared their love for one another by uniting in holy matrimony. She always said he was the love of her life and was a respectful gentleman. Carlos was a considerate Lieutenant and always made his soldiers feel important, and that consideration was also important in his marriage. She would tell her loved ones how she felt he was so attentive by taking her weekly to the hair salon to maintain her beautiful long hair. Others may say this gesture is modest, however, every time she told this story her eyes lit up and you could see the happiness he brought to her.

During their marriage, they were blessed with three children Ana Elsa, Irma Margoth, and Carlos Ramiro. In 1968, six years after their youngest son was born, her husband passed away. Even as a widow, she was dedicated to her marriage and chose never to remarry. From then on she assumed the roles of both mother and father, completely devoting her life to her children.

After moving to the United States in 1985, her life continued to be blessed with a growing family: seven grandchildren - Yanira Cisneros, Sara Martinez, Tania Iris Escobar, Michael Alexander Batres, Cynthia Michelle Batres, Josiah Ortiz, and Yoshabel Batres; and three great grandchildren Alexander Martinez, Nayomi Sophia Batres and Matthew Martinez.

An expression of her love for the flavor of life was through cooking. She took the knowledge of food that she learned at every opportunity and made each recipe her own (con sazon!).Her hand was her measuring cup. Her taste and smell, guided her. Always teaching and passing down her recipes so that future generations can taste the roots of her heritage. She loved making people happy by seeing them enjoy the delicious food she made. There was always an open seat at her table.

Another big joy in her life was gardening. Any free time she had was devoted to tending the flowers and plants out in the sunshine. She always welcomed and was grateful for anyone who brought her a new plant or flower, so that she could continue making her garden bloom. It was a place of healing, happiness, and comfort. A mini Eden on Lincoln Ave, her garden was home even to the little birds of the neighborhood. She enjoyed listening to their sweet songs every morning.

On the afternoon of February 7th, 2012, Maria Teresa Batres passed away peacefully in her home to the presence of the Lord. Surrounded by her loved ones, her spirit set with sun, knowing that the love everyone has shown her throughout her life is what carried her to heaven.

Out of all of the accomplishments in her life, one of the greatest is the gift of family togetherness. In each of us she planted the seed of her legacy, and will always remain in our hearts... our teacher, our best friend, our angel.