Maria C. Barrera, born April 1, 1932, a woman of strong faith who was affectionately known as "Mom" to so many more than just her children. She was known for her loving and generous heart. Mom was a noble and caring woman that left her mark everywhere she went. She was a Mexican Immigrant who fought and achieved the American Dream which became her legacy to her children. And she was always ready to help anyone else trying to achieve that dream. Mom carried her rosary, candy and cash in her purse so as to be ready for mass, making children smile, and helping anyone in need.

Mom was not only known where she lived, but internationally as well. She loved traveling to Mexico. She enjoyed visiting family there. Her favorite route began in El Paso, then Chihuahua, then Santa Maria del Oro (her birthplace), and finally Mexico City. Mazatlán was also one of her favorite destinations. She’d order a Huachinango at every restaurant she visited. Mom traveled like a queen, as she was always greeted with high esteem. She would bring gifts for everyone wherever she went. Every person on the staff at the hotel, from the housekeepers to the hotel doctor, knew her as la Sra. Maria. She was dearly loved and admired for her kindness and her generous heart. The incredible thing was that as much as Mom gave away the gifts she brought in her luggage, these/they always returned home filled with gifts for those in Chicago. Wherever Mom journeyed, she always left her mark.

When Mom traveled, she invited her children and grandchildren. Everyone was welcome to join her on her trips. She wanted us all to love Mexico as much as she did. It was very important to her that her family spoke Spanish. Though she knew enough English to understand what we were saying, she insisted that we speak Spanish around her. Mom wanted her family to know her Mexican roots, to love the country, the language, the people, and the food. The food! Our Mom was an excellent cook. Some of the amazing dishes she prepared were, tamales, pozole, arroz con pollo, mole, chiles rellenos, and capirotada. She always made sure that even if dinner was not ready, there was always something to eat.

Mom was that woman, the kind who always thought of everything and everyone. She wanted the best for her family. If she knew someone was in need, she would make it her mission to help. She would even help when she wasn’t supposed to, like helping the person sitting next to her during our traditional game of "31.”

Mom always wanted more for others than she did for herself. She saw the very best in everyone despite their flaws. She’d take off her earrings and gift them to you just because you said you liked them. She was that woman - one of a kind - like no other. She loved flowers in general, but gladiolus were her favorite. Mom also liked hard candy (especially Werther's Original), singing songs (anything with mariachi), and her beloved filet-o-fish with fries, a diet Coke and an apple pie from McDonald's. Mom was a woman of sayings or “dichos,” most were funny, but some were life lessons. One that she lived by was, "Donde come uno, comen dos." or “Where one eats, two can eat.” This was her beautiful and generous heart, her legacy. Mom will forever be missed and never forgotten.

Maria C. Barrera, Our Beloved Mom, is survived by her adoring children, Eloy (Patricia) Burciaga, Evangelina (Hugo) Rodriguez, Velia Robledo, Lucila (Jesus) Mendoza, Luis Carlos (Luz) Barrera, Virginia Barrera, David Barrera, Rosenda Barrera (John Valencia) and the late Rafaela Burciaga; 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

A private family visitation was held at Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center. A funeral mass was held at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with the interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery.