Roy Hampsten Jul 23 ,2020

Friend ,Louisville ,Kentucky

I am so very sorry it breaks my heart to hear of Maria's passing. She truly did have faith in the lord and he welcomed her home and healed her of all her pain. We offer our prayers for you all in your time of loss.

Karan Thorne Jul 23 ,2020

Coworker friend ,Albuquerque

Maria was a beautiful soul. Her kindness, friendship, loving heart, and joyful laughter will be truly missed in this world. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Gina Arsenault Jul 23 ,2020

Co-worker ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

I had the honor of working with Maria for many years. I could always count on a smile and a positive word. She truly brought a ray of sunshine to Chamiza ES and to all that knew her. God has a true angel in heaven.

Mary Kathryn Brudos Jul 23 ,2020

Colleague ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

What an awesome woman! She taught me an important lesson that I still use today. I will miss her beautiful smile and peaceful, fun energy.

Loretta Garcia Jul 23 ,2020

Chamiza ES Coworker ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

Deepest condolences to Maria’s family. Maria was strong and courageous and I admired her for that. I will truly miss that infectious smile of hers.

Carla Girard Jul 23 ,2020

Friend ,Gilbert ,Arizona

Maria and my sister Lynette were friends since grade school so I considered Maria my little sister too. Although she was battling her own illness she never hesitated to keep an eye on our mother at church every Sunday as she was experiencing early signs of Alzheimer's. It was Maria who told us about her concerns about mom and how she was, as we lived out of town. She was always thinking of everyone else. God certainly received a special angel. We love you Maria!

Teresa Viramontes Jul 24 ,2020

Friend ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

I am so sorry to hear the passing your beloved daughter. I enjoyed working with her. She was very kind to the students and always had a smile. We will miss here. My sincere condolences.

Molly Murphy Jul 26 ,2020

Colleague and Friend ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

Maria and I met during graduate school at UNM, where she immediately impressed me with her quick mind, her commitment to helping others, and her fun and generous spirit. It was a joy and a privilege to work with her over the years! Maria was an absolutely outstanding speech-language pathologist. She excelled in both the art and science of her work and made a huge difference in the lives of the children with whom she worked. Her infectious smile touched everyone’s heart! I learned so much from watching you, Maria, and will always remember your great talent with children, your kind and generous spirit, and your beautiful smile. Rest in peace, my friend. I will always remember you! Thank you for the love and joy you brought to everyone around you, Maria!

Elizabeth (Beth) Marshall Jul 26 ,2020

SLP, friend, worked at Mission Avenue ,Albuquerque, NM ,New Mexico

I would like to send my condolences to all of Maria's family and friends. She was a delightful friend and a wonderful SLP. I will miss her so much. I would like to express how much I appreciate your throwing such a wonderful retirement party for her. She so deserved it. Blessings and fond memories to you all.

Debbie Birkhauser Jul 27 ,2020

Coworker ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

I had the pleasure of working with Maria at Petroglyph Elementary School in 1993-95. I remember her boundless energy, love for children and effervescent smile. My condolences to her mother and family.

Elena Kolezar Jul 27 ,2020

Friend ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

My deepest condolences to Maria s family

Carrie Younger-Howarx Jul 29 ,2020

Friend ,San Tan Valley ,Arizona

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Candelaria family on the loss of Maria in all our lives. She was a stellar human. My sorrow can’t begin to be expressed in words. Godspeed my friend 😭❤️

Desiree Maestas Jul 30 ,2020

Friend ,Abiquiu ,New Mexico

My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Maria’s family. I wish so much that I would have been able to meet you all under different circumstances. You were with our family when we lost Denise, and I wasn’t in the right state of mind to express my gratitude then. Maria was part of our family. My children loved her so much, she and their Auntie Den were so much fun! I will always be grateful to her for visiting us and offering some sense of normalcy to my children after Denise passed. She brought a game and played with the kids just like before. We will always love Maria.

Nancy Ogilvie Jul 31 ,2020

Friend ,Alo ,New Mexico

Maria and I taught together at Chamiza Elementary. She was my friend, my sounding board, and a great source of strength and guidance. She was kind, funny and a truly joyful addition to my life. I miss her. Prayers for comfort to her family and friends.

Mel Knight Aug 01 ,2020

Friend ,Corrales ,New Mexico

I'm sorry for your loss. Maria was an outstanding SLP and made a positive impact on her students. She left this world too soon but is now surrounded by the love of the Lord in paradise.

Sabrina Garcia Aug 02 ,2020

Friend/CoWorker ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will NEVER forget how you made them feel"...... -Maya Angelou Thank you for always treating me with respect, listening to me, guiding me, and for being an AMAZING educator! Love Always, Sabrina & Brianna Garcia MAE

JESSIE ZAMORA Aug 10 ,2020

friend of the family ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

Our Condolences to Maria's Family she was such a Great Person to be around, she was a Dear friend of my Sister-in-law (Cecelia Ramirez) she will be Greatly Missed!! She is a Beautiful Angel Now RIP Maria! :(

Dora Lajeuenesse Aug 10 ,2020

Friend ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

I met Maria thru a friend. I also had the joy if seeing Maria at Duranes elementary as the prek speech therapist. .

Lynette Hampsten Aug 10 ,2020

I loved Maria. We have been friends since the 5th grade. Maria was the best friend anyone could ask for. She was a strong, beautiful woman with amazing integrity. My heart is broken.