Maria Estrada

Maria Estrada passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 23, 2022, after a month-long illness in the hospital. Her time came too soon, and we are all heartbroken from our loss of such a strong-willed and loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Maria was devoted and dedicated to her family, and she deeply loved them all in her special way.She was the oldest of 12 children born to Juan and Manuela Maturino. Her family moved to Oklahoma City, from Durango, Mexico, in 1956 with the help of the Catholic Church, who employed her father Juan and while Maria attended Little Flower Catholic School where she graduated 8th grade with her classmate Angela Tarango (Rodriquez), with whom they shared the three Nievez grandsons.In May of 1961, they had to bury a little brother, Augustine Maturino, who Maria wished to be buried next to. And sometime in late 1962 or early 1963, the Maturino family moved to New Mexico and began spreading their roots. Little did they know that Maria wrote to her soon-to-be husband, who lived next door, of her location, and Maria and Rudolfo married and started their new life together back in Oklahoma City. Early photos of Maria with her own babies are some of the most beautiful smiles she's ever had. Maria was the oldest of 10 when she left home, so she was well-practiced in taking care of others. She was the best. We will forever miss her smile, her laughter, her tender loving care, and always making sure nobody was hungry. She always put everyone before herself.She was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolfo Estrada; mother and father, Manuela and Juan Maturino; sisters Alicia and Carmen Maturino; brother, Augustine Maturino; and grandson, John Estrada.She is survived by her four children, Emily Hodson (Alan), Melinda Nievez Cathcart (Bill), Rudy Estrada (Michelle), and Raul Estrada; nine grandchildren, Mario (Jennifer), Michael and Morgan Nievez; Christian Estrada and Savanna Hodson Jeter (Dexter); Phillip and Matthew Estrada; Joshua Estrada and Jada Estrada; two great grandchildren, Talon and Taleigh Estrada; and one great great grandchild Barrett Estrada; three brothers, Juan, Manuel, and Luis, and five sisters, Marisin, Sandra, Ramona, Rose, Delores, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom live in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico.Visitation will be from 12:00 until 6:00 on Monday, August 29, 2022.A rosary service will be held at Smith & Kernke on Monday, August 29, 2022, at 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church on August 30, 2022 at 10:00. Interment: Resurrection Memorial Cemetery 7500 W Britton Road.