Maria was born to Dionicio Vela and Sara Saenz Vela on January 2, 1938 in La Grulla, Texas. Being born in a time when family values were cherished and being one of nine siblings, she acted as a beloved sister and friend. Among her siblings were Olivia Ramirez, Ninfa Ramirez, Alberto Vela, Lucy Rodriguez, Ramon Vela, Zulema Salinas, Socorro Reyna, and José Guadalupe, all of whom she loved deeply. She was predeceased by her sisters Olivia and Lucy and brothers Alberto, Ramon, and José, who have undoubtedly welcomed her with open arms into eternity.
Maria's legacy was not only her family tree, but also the love and memories she shared with her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Encarnacion “Chonny” Cerda (deceased), Ray Cerda Jr., and David Cerda, both of Coppell, Texas, and her daughter Debbie Williams of Prosper, Texas. Her animated spirit extended to extended family, Ninfa Ramirez, and her six grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Nikki, Dalton, Morgan, and Connor, who were a source of endless joy and pride. Maria's love for them and her various great-grandchildren knew no bounds.
For the last six decades, Maria made her home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She relished in the joys of being with her children and seeing her family flourish. One of her favorite pastimes was the thrill of playing slot machines at Winstar, where she found moments of excitement and thrill in her winnings. She enjoyed making homemade tamales for family in the holiday season and was never too far away from a Diet Coke.
Maria Cerda's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, forever etched in the cherished memories she created. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience that will continue to inspire generations to come.
As we bid farewell to Maria, let us remember her for the love she shared, the laughter she spread, and the bond that held her family and friends together.
Rest in peace, dear Maria, knowing that your legacy of love will endure through the ages.
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