Maria D. Martinez Quiroz passed away peacefully at her home in Jersey Village, Tx surrounded by her loving family at approximately 4:30 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 after she succumbed to Alzheimer's Disease.  Maria was born on January 2, 1939 in Torreon, Mexico and was the daughter of the late Donaciano Martinez and Consuelo Ugaldebere.

Maria is survived by her husband of 54 years, Philip J. Quiroz, her son John P. Quiroz of Houston and partner Martin Ruiz, her daughter Lisa Quiroz Duhaime, son in law Craig and granddaughters Ava and Erin of Cypress, Tx.   Brother and sister in law, Don and Adel Martinez of Houston, sister Christine Hadash of Houston and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brothers Donaciano Martinez of Torreon, Mexico and Peter Anthony Reynaga of Houston.

Maria moved to Houston from Mexico at the age of 12 and attended Marshall Middle School and Houston Tech high school where she graduated in 1959.

She married Philip in 1964 and began her married life in their new home in Oak Forest.  Shortly thereafter, Maria became a proud mother after the adoption of her first child, son John whom she brought home when he was nine days old.  Eighteen months later Maria was a mother again with the adoption of her second child, daughter Lisa at 19 days old.

During her life Maria was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker as Philip's work often took their family around the globe.  Maria was also employed as an accountant in the electrical supply and oilfield industries during her early married life.

As her immediate family's matriarch, Maria was the foundation and the source of her family's strong bond.  Maria had such a compassionate heart for those less fortunate, suffering, or in need.   She taught and instilled in her children the meaning of family, trust, and unconditional love.

Maria was passionate about life and enjoyed the simple things.  She was very fulfilled during her life and enjoyed retirement with Philip by traveling, enjoying her hobbies of gardening and sewing, and filling her favorite role…just being "Nana" and spending time with her granddaughters.  She was an excellent cook and took pride in making her family's favorite dishes.

Maria was diagnosed with cancer in April 2014 and bravely fought this disease enduring chemotherapy and radiation.   She won the battle with cancer however, the treatment took quite a toll on her body.  Maria was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease later in 2014.    This diagnosis and inevitable decline of her mind and body was heartbreaking and difficult.   It was now our turn to focus on mom and give back all of the love, care and support she had always given us.   We loved and cherished every moment spent caring for mom as she and so many others endured this terrible disease with no cure.

Our family was incredibly blessed to have had three loving caretakers that helped us take care of Mom at our home over the past two years as her health sadly declined.  Emma, Lynette, and Allison:  You have been our angels and we are forever thankful and grateful for each of you.  You treated our beloved Maria with such care, dignity, compassion, and love and provided such great comfort and support to our family during our most difficult times.

Words cannot explain the loss and sorrow we have in our hearts for our beloved Maria, Mom, and Nana as she was our most cherished gift and the joy of our lives.  We feel so incredibly blessed to have been so loved by her.  She will be deeply missed by her family and Maria will be in our hearts and souls forever.

The Quiroz family will be present to visit with family and friends at Maria's viewing/visitation which will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018 at Klein Cy- Fair Funeral Home (9719 Wortham Blvd, 77065) from 4:30- 8pm with the Holy Rosary being recited at 6pm.

The Funeral Mass will commence at 11am on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church (10135 West Rd, 77064).   Entombment will be at the Houston National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated in Maria's name to:

Alzheimer's Association Houston & Southeast Texas

6055 South Loop East

Houston, Tx 77087

713.314.1313

Alz.org