Maria Suniga Jimenez's Obituary
The Life of Maria
Maria S Jimenez was born to Santos and Emilia Suñiga on March 10, 1943. In her early years Maria, alongside her sister Juanita and brother Santos, learned the value of hard work and devotion to family in the small town of Natalia, Texas. As a little girl the Catholic church is where she learned the importance of faith, and standing up for what is right.
By age 9, she joined her parents in the fields picking whatever crops were in season. In 1950 at age 12, she’d travel alongside her father as far out as Illinois and Wisconsin to continue field work for another seven years.
In 1962, age 19, Maria experienced a devastating loss with her father passing away. Her strength, generosity and devotion to family made it an immediate choice to step up emotionally and financially to support her mother and younger brother. Selflessly she began sewing, cooking, and washing clothes for neighbors in the community.
At age 20, after five years of dating, Maria said I DO to the love of her life and married Antonio Jimenez on April 27, 1963, in Devine, Texas. Maria then joined her husband in San Antonio, where they began their family; three boys and three girls. In the late 1970s they began selling snow cones and snacks to help provide for the household. Even after having a family and home of her own she remained dedicated to supporting her mom.
By 1980, at age 37, she began work with San Antonio Maid Service. After two years, she made a brave decision to become self-employed, forty-one years later the lifelong friendships formed began to feel more like family. She’d gain countless memories so easily created out of unwavering loyalty for the people she served. Maria’s work ethic, kindness, and warm personality left a lasting imprint on anyone she met.
As a wife, mom, grandma, neighbor and friend Maria was quick to create magic anywhere she could. From a colorful garden, homemade Christmas decor, brand new hand sewn outfits, to full wedding cake designs with custom stands.
In Jan 2003 after 39 years of marriage, Maria lost her husband Antonio. Despite the heartache, she persevered with strength, courage, and determination. She continued working independently until 2023, when back surgery finally brought her a well-deserved retirement at age 80.
Retirement, however, did not stop her supporting several charities month after month.
Early 2025, Maria began facing significant health challenges, her daughter Gracie and son-in-law Bobby opened their home to her and everything she would later need. Together they along with another daughter Melly and Granddaughter Emily devoted their time, care, love and attention at such a crucial time of need until the very end. It was an honor and privilege of a lifetime.
Through her faith and relationship with God she could sense her time was getting close. At her request, the entire family gathered together with her one last time just a day before. A full house and flood of heartbreak later she was able to give every member of the family a precious moment of her time one on one. We all ended that night truly thankful knowing she'd soon be on her way home. We had the opportunity to say goodbye, to say Thank You, to say we'd miss her immensely, to say I Love You.
On Nov. 13, 2025, age 82, Maria peacefully gained her wings in the comfort of her room.
She is survived by her children: Esmeralda, Valentin, Ermelinda, (Jesse) Reynaldo, (Linda) Graciela, (Bobby) and Hector. Brother: Santos and Cynthia Suñiga. She leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren, 2 more on the way, and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.
Throughout her life Maria was easily known for being creative, thoughtful, hardworking, humble, respectful, friendly, giving, deeply loving. The legacy of family loyalty is one of resilience, bravery, and faith; they will forever live on through the many many generations she helped shape.
She will be deeply missed.
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