1949
2012
Maria Elia was a beloved mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, friend, wife, and a giving person to all who knew her. She had four daughters – Teresa, Patricia, Susan and Kassandra…and a loving grandmother of twelve (Carlos, James, Natalie, Alyssa, Chris, Angel, Matthew, Cash, Desiree, Jesse, Donovan and Ireland). She had two great granddaughters, Marissa and Nivea.
Maria was a loving sister to Armando, Yolanda, Leon and Raul.
Recently married, she leaves behind her husband Alfredo who loved her and treated her like a queen.
Maria is survived by her mother, Consuelo.
Her contributions included volunteering with the flying doctors of mercy for L.I.G.A., the March of Dimes and she was always lending a hand to those that needed it.
A go-getter and hard-worker, Maria was very proud of her past, 15+ years long, career in public health and advocacy, and her recent 8+ years as a Spanish Interpreter for Children's Hospital in Madera.
Maria believed in living life fully, being independent, education, working hard and creating your own destiny. Many who have known her for a length of time describe her as being fearless, strong, incredibly intelligent, charming, and always elegant.
A social butterfly, absolutely no one could throw a party like Maria. Her clumsiness was legendary. Her brush with the Lotto and other humorous stories, hilarious. Her love for her family and friends, make us all feel lucky to have had her in our lives. Her bossiness and strong-will, well, that is a part of her that made her "our Maria…our Elia…our Mom…our sister…our daughter…our friend…wife…our special lady." She will always be loved and in our hearts.
A beauty inside and out, she will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Originally from Juarez, Mexico, but raised in the U.S., Maria lived in the Salinas/Monterey Bay Area for almost 30 years before making her home in the Fresno area, which she called home. Her finally resting place will be in the beautiful ocean, where her ashes will be spread as per her final wishes
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Kassandra and family.
January 31, 2013
susan flores
I miss u so much mama :*(
August 7, 2012
Kassandra Perry
August 4, 2012
Leticia Gonzalez
Still can't believe you're gone, seems like it was just yesterday I was all exited to go to your wedding. I will miss your contagious smile and upbeat personality. Prima I will miss you and think of you till we meet again. Hope they have bling bling in heaven.
August 3, 2012
Angelica Montano
Elia you where a wonderful person to my mother and I. I will never forget you. I had the greatest honor to have spent such a wonderful evening with you and your wonderful husband on your wedding day and your last night of life. I will cherish every memory I have with you! Until we meet again.
August 3, 2012
Lenore Lopez-Burrola
My thoughts and prayers are with Maria's family. I enjoyed working with Maria at Children's Hospital. She had a great personality and smile. I was lucky to have met her.
Lenore Lopez-Burrola
August 2, 2012
Phyllis Reilly
I would like to express my sympathy to the family for the loss of their most precious Maria. I worked with Maria at Fresno County Health Department and want to express to the family how grateful and blessed I was to have had that opportunity.
August 1, 2012
Alicia Reyes
Amiga" If only the phone would ring and I could hear your voice calling me by that little nik name you were the only one that knew where it came from.and the only friend that has ever been there for me and console me through all my ups and downs.I remember our getaway drives and you would sing all the way to and from where ever we would be.youwill be forever in my heart and thoughts, "My friend " you left us to soon.my condolences to your loving girls and family.
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