Maria Alicia Oxholm

Maria Alicia Oxholm, affectionately known as Chacha, passed away on September 27, 2024, at 92 years of age. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1931, the eldest of seven children, she emigrated to Michigan in 1962 after marrying the late Jose M. Oxholm (2004). They were happily married for 42 years. Alicia was a devoted wife and mother who proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1976. Alicia became the loving mother of Judith Maria and Nellie Ann (dec.)(Leonard Drake, dec.) She later gave birth to 4 more children, Maria Luisa (Paul Bruno), Maria Teresa (former son-in-law Khaled Tawansy), Nilda Maria (Dennis Hoban), Jose Miguel (Katia Carolina Barraza). Alicia was also a beloved grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

She was an inspired artist and craftsperson who illustrated dozens of her husband’s books of Spanish poetry and bound the books by hand. Alicia also made beautifully detailed pinatas for her grandchildrens’ birthday celebrations including colorful dinosaurs and a pink panther. In her 80’s, Alicia authored and illustrated two books, Cuando Chacha Era Nina (When Chacha was a Girl) and La Monarca de huevo a Mariposa (The Monarch from Egg to Butterfly).

Alicia had many talents. She loved to quilt and knit, donating many blankets and baby caps to local hospitals. Alicia was also a dedicated cook and baker. Her apple pie, raisin bread and brownies were always requested and applauded.

One of Alicia’s most passionate projects was raising monarch butterflies and participating in a University of Kansas study that tagged and released them. Over 25 years, she raised thousands of monarchs, from egg to butterfly. She received 5 letters informing her that her butterflies had reached Michoacan, Mexico.

Alicia loved to travel. She visited Brazil, Argentina, El Salvador, Egypt, Spain, Italy and France, to name a few. She enjoyed visiting historic sites, reminiscing with old friends, and making new friends. She maintained these friendships by corresponding with hand-written letters.

Her strong faith in God was cultivated in her youth and continued throughout her life. This faith helped her conquer cancer in 2005. She prayed the rosary daily. The rosaries she crafted are some of the most treasured gifts she made for family and friends. Her children are convinced that her prayers were powerful and protected them. Her life was exemplary. Her optimistic and enthusiastic spirit were contagious and will continue to guide and inspire her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and countless friends throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa and Europe.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 2nd from 3-8 pm at A H Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, with a rosary at 7 pm

She will lie instate from 9:00 am until time of 9:30 am Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.