Maria O. Villanueva

Maria Villanueva passed away on May 9, 2020 after a long fight with Alzheimer’s dementia.

She was born on October 2, 1927 in Lorraine Ohio and was preceded in death by her husband Emerito Villanueva of 58 years. Mom was 92.

Maria and Emerito were both longtime members of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic church in San Antonio, TX. For over twenty-five years. She was also a member of their Spanish Choir called the Guadalupanas. She had a voice of an angel and took pride in providing comfort with the beautiful songs. She was a woman of God.

They both enjoyed dancing together, we were all amazed to watch their elegance and well-coordinated dancing.

She enjoyed listening to different kind of music genres from Mariachi Music-Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Vicente Fernández, Nat King Cole, spiritual music. She danced like a pro.

Maria was an extraordinary mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister. She was a strong woman, a woman of God, an advocate for people in need. Her voice was always heard!

Maria was an amazing cook and cooked for the family with love. Each holiday you could find her home completely decorated she put her heart and soul in everything she did for the family. She loved gardening and loved her flower gardens especially her rose garden. Every morning you would find her tending to her gardens so meticulously.

She loved to travel abroad and made a special trip to Europe to visit the Vatican to see the Pope. On each adventure, she made it a point to visit the beautiful cathedrals for she loved God. She also traveled within the states Las Vegas, Niagara Falls was a favorite of hers, San Diego, among other places. Mom was always on the go never a dull moment. We admired her so much because of that.

She loved to socialize and would volunteered where it was needed within her community. Everyone that she met found her to be a very happy, compassionate, caring, loving person with a heart of gold and felt blessed to have known her. She touched so many.

She loved being a grandmother always thinking of her grandchildren for every birthday, holiday or special event in their lives. Her grandchildren loved and enjoyed her presence.

Maria is survived by her seven children and thirteen grandchildren:

Daughter - Elizabeth Villanueva San Antonio, TX. Son - Marco (Dianne, may she rest in peace) (Merrillville, Indiana). Their children: Jennifer, and Justin. Daughter - Cynthia Villanueva (Chicago, IL). Her Children: Natalie, and Adam. Son - Americo Villanueva(Karla) Michigan City, Indiana. His children: Americo Jr (Tony)and Nicole. Daughter - Mary Espinosa (Armando Sr) Houston, TX. Their children: Armando, Jr, Sarah, and Olivia. Daughter - Bobbie Jo Luna (Feliciano) San Antonio TX. Their children: Feliciano (Americo), Mia Sol Luna. Daughter - Patricia Navarro (Billy) Merrillville, Indiana. Their children: Eric Michael, and Monique Lisette.