Maria Rico

Maria was born on November 29, 1930 in Tarimoro, Guanajuato, Mexico. A single mother of six children, she moved to Chicago in 1960 to provide and build a better life for her family. She worked as a chef in some of Chicago’s finest Mexican restaurants, including La Margarita on Wabash Ave. She later worked at the world-famous Brach’s candy factory before retiring.

She loved to entertain and dance, and was also an avid gardener. However, her passion was always cooking for her loved ones. During retirement, she became dedicated to her grandchildren and very beloved by them. In her last years, she was cared for at Harmony Nursing Home.

Maria is survived by all her six children: Trinidad (Steve) Rico Mahadeo, Blanca (Enrique Sanchez) Ramirez, Rufina (Ignacio) Lopez, Joseph “Jesse” Rico, Patricia (Juan) Maldonado, and Judith (Victor Hugo) Ramirez.

She was the adored grandmother of twelve: Viviana Chapman, Alejandra Mahadeo, Natalia Bentrup, Steven Mahadeo, Andrea Lopez, Angelica Ramos, Melissa Jimenez, Olivia Maldonado, Shanon Maldonado, Cassandra Ramirez, Danielle Ramirez, and Ricardo Ramirez.

She is the proud great-grandmother of eight: Isabella, Julia, Andrew, and Jude Chapman; Joshua and Amelia Ramos and Sofia and Brady Bentrup.

Our matriarch will be missed immensely.

Visitation Monday, May 8, 10:30am (mass begins 11am), St. Andrew Parish in Chicago, located at the corner of Paulina and Addison.

Private Interment.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice.