Maria R. Contreras' Obituary
Maria was born in a rural town in Michoacan, Mexico, to Adrian and Justina Rios. She was one of 7 children. She was able to get a primary education in her hometown. Her younger sister Josefina is the only living member of her immediate family.
Her family migrated to Baja California to find a better life for t themselves. She lived in Tecate where she met her husband Antonio, who just happened to be from her home town and had recently established himself as a store owner in Tecate, after being in the United States since he was a teenager.
They married at San Luis Rey Mission church in 1950. Maria and Antonio have 2 children, Beatriz born in 1951 and Antonio R. in 1954. The family migrated and made their home in California in 1959.
Antonio and Maria educated their children and provided a loving, and supportive home. They lived in Escondido for many years. They attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church and her children were enrolled in the Escondido school system and neighboring colleges.
She was a loving, supportive mother and homemaker. She loved to crochet and loved making baby blankets for friends and relatives. Later in life she made rosaries for St. Mark in San Marcos.
She was known to be the fastest cook of all the family. She could come up with a whole meal so fast that she was known “un torbellino”, a whirlwind.
We will miss her dearly including her sense of humor. When asked at the age of 103 what her age was she said, “I am 15”.
What’s your fondest memory of Maria?
What’s a lesson you learned from Maria?
Share a story where Maria's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Maria you’ll never forget.
How did Maria make you smile?