Maria Barrientos Saldivar

After the passing of her mother when Maria was just 3 years old, she was brought to the United States by her sister Crisogona and brother-in-law Agustin Hernandez, where she was lovingly raised by them in Los Fresnos and later in Brownsville, Texas. She became a devoted older sister to her nephew, Juan and niece Hilda. Maria was very proud when she became an official US citizen in her 20s. A spirited and active young woman, Maria enjoyed playing softball and cheering for the Lions and Tigers after adopting Michigan as her home.

Maria’s life was centered around her unwavering faith in God, her deep love for her husband of 57 years, Jose, and her devotion to family. She met Jose while working as a supervisor at Booth Fisheries, and their shared love of dancing soon led to their marriage in 1968 in Brownsville, Texas. In 1978, they moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they raised their only son, Jose (Joe) Jr. In 2023, Maria and Jose relocated to Rochester Hills to be closer to their family.

Maria was a devout Catholic who lived her life with dignity and faithfulness. A gifted cook and gardener, Maria was known for her delicious Mexican recipes, especially her tamales, which she often prepared and shared with friends and family. She and Jose took joy in cooking together and nurturing their home with love and tradition.

Maria was the beloved daughter of the late Juanita Leal and Guadalupe Barrientos. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Crisogona (Agustin) Hernandez, Guadalupe (Santiago) Sosa, Jose (Juanita) Barrientos, Narciso Barrientos, Melchor (Carmen) Barrientos, and Luis (Antonia) Barrientos.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jose P. Saldivar; her sister, Socorro (Valentin) Jimenez; her loving son, Jose (Joe) Saldivar Jr. and his wife Nicole; and her cherished grandchildren: Joey (Emily) Saldivar, Stephen (Gretchen) Saldivar, Vincent Grillo, Gia Grillo, and Francesca Grillo. Maria also leaves behind her precious great-granddaughters, Sunny Lynn Saldivar and Eva Maria Saldivar, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Maria’s memory to Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation, in gratitude for their support, 445 S. Livernois, Ste. 202, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nextsteps4seniorsfoundation.kindful.com/?campaign=1365924__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!JNlao4mD0OwQdH2VeXo3vxdBwUn6Z8WBxYZR5q_6v_2ZcwWBAnjdk3moD0RjLMGMXjSrOkFEieQ2xkVU5udM$[nextsteps4seniorsfoundation[.]kindful[.]com]

A memorial visitation for Maria will be held Monday, June 16, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, Michigan 48307 with a rosary service at 7:00 PM, 322 W. . A memorial visitation will be held the following day on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Kieran Catholic Church, located at 53600 Mound Rd, Shelby Twp, MI 48316, with the memorial service immediately following at 10:00 a.m.