After making it to 5th grade, she left school to work in the fields with her family. She had numerous occupations throughout the years but her favorite jobs were when she became a custodian for Donna ISD then served as a housekeeper at Knapp Medical where she later retired. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. The family wishes to send a special thank you to all her medical staff along the way for their care and compassion.
Maria expressed her love to everyone in her life through baking and cooking. Her kitchen was always open, constantly making new recipes that she would find on Youtube as well as on cooking channels. She enjoyed shopping, whether it was for groceries to make a new recipe, or looking for decorations for every holiday. Even during COVID, you would still find her being extra careful at Wal-Mart wearing double masks, a shield, and gloves. Holidays were her favorite time of the year. She was always prepared with halloween, thanksgiving, and christmas decorations. Holiday-themed baked goods were surely to be present in her kitchen during these times. Tamales were available by the dozens in her freezer. If she wasn’t in the kitchen, you could find her outside gardening a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Above all, Maria’s greatest joy in life was being a grandma. Her grandchildren were her world, and would talk about them to anyone that would listen. She loved attending any functions that they were involved in, from awards assemblies to sporting events. She never failed in letting her grandchildren know how much she loved them and how proud she was of them.
Maria is now reunited with her beloved husband: Jose Ernesto O’cañas Sr.; parents: Ramon and Elena Yanez; brother, Francisco (Pancho) Yanez and sister: Margarita Yanez Rodriguez; who have preceded her in death.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving children: Lori (Gilbert +) Vento, Jose E. O’Cañas; grandchildren: Sabrina Marie Vento, Gilbert Vento Jr., Brandon Vento, Dana Klarissa O’cañas, Jose E. O’cañas III; siblings: Julia Yanez, Rosa (Eliazar) Campos, Ramon (Ana) Yanez Jr and Julian Yanez.
Due to Maria’s wishes of direct cremation, there will be no visitation services held. Her remains will be laid to rest with her husband in Odem, Texas.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17