Maria was my neighbor for only two short years but during those days we spent many evenings on the front porch sharing our lives with each other.  
Maria had a love for plants of all kinds & I always commented to her that she had a green thumb & I was confenced she must singto each plant every day for they flourished so beautifully.
Maria was a kind soul with a loving & caring spirit.  If she knew you needed something & she had it she made sure you got it.  She & I would often share an abundance of a meal we might have cooked or a desert.  I remember Maria loved sweet potatoes & green vegetables if I got some for myself I would grab a little for her & that little act of kindness was always given in return a big hug & multiple thank you's.  She always called me "her lady".  
I'll always remember Maria, she impacted my life in so many positive ways no one will ever know.
Maria is no longer in pain, no longer feeling alone, no longer missing those of her family who have gone before her.
Thank you for being my friend, Mary Lynne Anderson

Maria was my mom's neighbor and friend, and her caregiver at times. Maria spoke limited English but she was fluent in the language of love. She was born to care for people and was one of the kindest, most dedicated friends a person could have. After my mother passed away, she was lonesome for her for a long time. I went and visited Maria, took her things and planted flowers in her little garden she loved so much.  If all of us could benefit from the simple, undeserved love and  undeserved kindness that Maris displayed, the world would be a better place. She was thoughtful to my family and especially my sweet mom, whom Maria spent countless hours with in her last months, holding her hand, combing her hair and doing little tender kindnesses which her caring heart could think of to do. I know that Maria was the most loving Mom a person could have to Joe, and she did everything in her power to ease his pain and make him smile.  If her love could have made him well again, he would be up walking and healthy today, enjoying himself out in the Texas sunshine. That was the one thing that would have made Maria happiest.  I am so glad that I knew her and could call her my friend.