Maria Luisa Silva passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of 72, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Léon, Mexico, to Simon and Leonor Garza on July 6, 1951. Born into humble beginnings, Maria sought to improve her and her family's lives. At the tender age of 15, Maria moved from Mexico to Chicago. Driven and determined, she found work in a factory and began to support herself and her family in Mexico. A short time later, she found herself in Texas working as a nanny, where she met her husband, Martin Silva Sr. They quickly married and raised three children. They were married for 45 years until his death.

Maria was a devoted housewife, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was blessed with luck and was an avid enthusiast of Loteria, Bingo, Conquian, Poker, and the Lottery. She enjoyed her family, telephoning her relatives and friends, shopping with her daughters, watching novellas, listening to ranchera music, and dancing in her private cantina. Maria had an appetite for food and treats. Her favorites were pan dulce, especially semitas de anise con café, pancakes from IHOP, and ice cold cokes. She was feisty, quick-witted, highly inappropriate, and had the best laugh - loud and infectious. She will be missed by all who loved her.

Maria is reunited in Heaven with her husband, Martin Silva Sr., her parents, Simon and Leonor Garza, and her brother, Hector Garza. She is survived by her beloved children: her son, Martin Silva Jr. (Gracie Aguilar); and her daughters, Sandy Silva (Navor Valenzuela) and Santa Veronica Lopez (Clarence Ware); her grandson, Jorge A. Lopez Jr.; her sisters, Margarita Ramos and Irma Talamantez; her brother, Simon Garza; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria had a generous spirit and was a longtime benefactor to many charities. Though Maria is no longer here to continue her charitable donations, her spirit of giving will live on through her children. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in memory of Maria L. Silva to St. Jude's Children's Hospital https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-anddedications.html