Maria Chavarria

It is with deep sadness, yet immense gratitude for the time we had with her, that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, "Tita", sister, aunt and friend to many, Maria Consuelo Chavarria. Maria passed away peacefully in her home on early Sunday morning, November 19, 2023, surrounded in love and prayer.

Maria was born on May 17, 1939 to Victorino Díaz Villalobos & María Consuelo Ramos de Díaz in Charcas, San Luis Potosí; Mexico. Maria, also very lovingly known as "Chelo" and "Chelito" was a pioneer, a faith filled, bright, self-less & wise woman. Growing up in a small town with many siblings, she took great joy in the simple things in life and had in intense curiosity of the world. She would share stories of wandering off as a child to visit the local shoemaker, coffin maker and her favorite was watching the pyrotechnic make fireworks. She loved the freedom to roam and explore. Maria attended La Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, where she distinguished herself as a scholar. After attending her first semester of college she was informed that she was number one in her class and therefore would not have to pay for her next semester of college. Maria continued this path until her graduation and instead of keeping the money she saved, she used it to help her siblings attend college, this is just the type of person she was. She shared the joy it brought her to buy her baby brother his first bicycle and later, his first car. After graduating college, she went on to work in a lab as a biochemist and opened a gift shop in Sabinas, Hidalgo, Mexico- "Roco Regalos" named after herself and her business partner. The shop is still open to this day. Maria went on to marry the love of her life, Alberto Chavarria and together they shared six beautiful children. Being a mother was her greatest calling. When her husband got a job at the refineries, they moved their young family from Indiana to Texas City, Texas where they made their home. When their youngest child was 5, Maria's beloved husband passed away of cancer. Maria abruptly found herself widowed, mourning, and figuring out how to raise three young children in a country where she didn't speak the language nor had the ability to utilize her college degree that she had worked so hard to earn. Maria, being the strong woman she was, made the decision to remain in the United States as she knew the states would provide the greatest opportunity for her children and give them the best chance at freedom, which is something she valued greatly. Maria worked various jobs, many at the same time without complaint. She would leave her home in the middle of the night, work, return in the mornings to feed her kids and see them off to school, then go back to work and return in time to receive her kids from school and feed them dinner. She worked hard, but she did so with great joy. She had the ability to make the best of difficult situations, to see the best in all people and to love them exactly where they were. Amid her own struggles, she always made herself available to help others in need, whether it was by giving them money, a place to live, food, a hug or just words of encouragement. She made a difference every day of her life and even since her death.

Maria sacrificed so much throughout her life for the sake of her family and, through trials and tribulations, planted seeds everywhere she went. Those small seeds grew into a great family tree with various branches interwoven in love and born from sacrifice and selflessness. Maria's family was her pride and joy. She beamed when sharing stories over the success of her siblings, children, grandchildren, cousins and nieces and nephews. Her measure of success was never in the things of this world nor her family members' accomplishments, but in the character of their person. Maria was the most selfless person any could ever meet and had a fire about her that burned deeply. Her character can only be compared to that of a saint. She never knew a stranger and would rather sacrifice her own happiness and comfort than see another go without. One of the things she loved most in her younger years was watching the dogs race at Gulf Greyhound Park where she also worked as a housekeeper. She often took her grandchildren with her and became quite good at picking winners. She also loved painting, getting up in the early hours of the morning, watching sunrises, driving around town, spending time with friends and family and sitting on her porch. She especially loved to feed the birds; she often spoke of how much she admired their freedom.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents Victorino & Maria, brother Guillermo; son, Alberto Chavarria Jr.; and husband, Alberto Chavarria Sr.

Maria is survived by her children, Linda Medina, Conchita Westerhausen (Curt), Victorio Chavarria (Ann), Jose Chavarria (Teresa), Xochitl Sanchez (Jesus). Maria's grandchildren include Michael Martinez (Cecilia), Linda Marie Martinez, David Martinez, Mikaela Hardin (Aaron), Cortez Sanchez, Madison Chavarria, Isabel Sanchez, Jose "Papas" Chavarria, Sophia Sanchez, and Thomas Sanchez. She also leaves behind to continue her legacy, two beautiful great-grandchildren, Jerry & Eleanor Hardin. Maria also leaves many siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved beyond measure. In addition, she had many friends whose lives she touched in a variety of ways. To say she was loved is an understatement. She will be greatly missed by all. It brings us joy to know that, like the birds she so loved, she found freedom in her passing of this life, to that of her eternal resting place. Si mama, estas libre...

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service that will begin at 7:00 p.m., at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City. A mass will be held at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Texas City, Texas on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a lunch in Ponzini Hall. Maria's body will be cremated, and a burial service will be held at Houston Veteran's Memorial at a later date.

Keeping in Maria's spirit of giving and in lieu of flowers, our family will be collecting monetary donations to send to La Casa De La Armonia A.C. in Monterrey, Mexico. La Casa is an orphanage where one of Maria's beloved nephews volunteers his time, talent and treasure and one that Maria supported. Donations can be made via Venmo to @Victorio-Chavarria; Please note "Orphanage". You may also mail your donation to Victorio Chavarria 3004 NW Morning Glory Dr.; Corvallis Oregon 97330. He will collect donations and deliver to the Orphanage on Maria's behalf.