Maria Garcia Casarez Quiroz

Maria passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 100.

An obituary often recounts what a person did. Maria's life may be better understood in this writing by remembering what it felt like to be in her presence.

She was born in Venado, San Luis Potosí, Mexico on April 7, 1926. Initially, she was raised by maternal grandmother Tomasa Carlos. Then moved to Tampico, Tamaulipas Mexico as a teenager to live with her mother Secundina Carlos. There she dreamed of coming to the United States and did so with courage and determination; and the help of an engineer and lawyer who were so endeared by her. She then Maria later met and married Manuel Quiroz Aispuro in California. They had seven children: Jennie, Gloria, Manuel, Gilbert, Orlando, Sandra, and Hector. She passed away owning her own home; a home that became a sanctuary for family and remains so. Then came those precious grandchildren and great grandchildren who give cause to smile even now.

Maria's accomplishments were not carved into monuments, printed in headlines, or displayed on walls. She did not appear to seek public accolades or recognition. Her accomplishments were written instead in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, relatives, and all those fortunate enough to know her. Her greatest achievement was her family.

Her gift could not be purchased, taught in a classroom, or measured by any public standard. It was simply the result of a mother who loved deeply and lived showing it.

What is the value of someone who greets you with a genuine smile, who listens without judgment, who accepts you as you are, who encourages you when you need it most, and who somehow makes you feel that your visit is a gift rather than an interruption? What is the value of someone who may not possess great wealth, yet always seems to have something precious to offer, like quiet self, a delicious meal, a warm embrace, a few comforting words, some subtle humor, or simply a blessing? Those who knew Maria know the answer.

Her kindness was genuine. Her generosity came naturally, something normal, sometimes without one noticing it. Her character was authentic. Her love was real. She taught far more by example than by words. Perhaps one of her most remarkable gifts was the way she saw her seven children and grandchildren. She knew their self-perceived imperfections, mistakes, disappointments, and struggles. She continuously saw something beautiful in them. She saw her children not merely as they were at any particular moment, but as they were in her heart. She possessed the rare ability to make family feel that their visit was a gift to her, as though she found genuine wealth in their company. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. That was her grace (the stuff poets write about; the stuff of special songs).

Sometimes greatness is found in a life quietly devoted to family, kindness, and love. The world knows little about her. Those who loved her know better. And to one grateful son, who finds it difficult to imagine a world without out her, she will always be simply: Mommy. “I love you, Mommy.”

She is welcomed into heaven by her children Jennie and Gilbert. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a public viewing on June 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main Street, Watsonville. All are invited to share a brief memory, reflection, or story in honor of Maria's life from 6-7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on June 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Watsonville, followed by a procession and burial at Valley Catholic Cemetery located at 2401 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA.