Maria Contreras

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, Maria Contreras, loving mom, grandma, and sister, passed away at the age of 79 surrounded by her family.  Maria was born a 4th of July baby in El Paso, Texas to Carlos and Concepcion Garza.  The oldest of six children, Maria traveled much as a daughter of an Army serviceman.  She then married into the Air Force and had four children that were all born in different states.  Though keeping busy with her family, Maria found time to attend school while living in Colorado, graduating with a degree in medical technology. She then moved to New Mexico where she would live the remainder of her life. 

In 1976 Maria went to work for Eye Associates of New Mexico as the front office receptionist.  She enjoyed a long, successful 40 year career in many key administrative roles until retiring as the Chief Administrative Officer in 2016. 

Maria had a passion for the sport of tennis, playing competitively for many years.  When her knees could no longer keep up, she continued to root enthusiastically for her favorite players.  Maria loved to travel, especially to her favorite getaway, Cabo San Lucas.  She also enjoyed cooking and baking, making it a memorable tradition for her kids and grandchildren to spend Sunday dinners together.  Most of all she loved laughing and making memories with her family.   Dearly loved, she will be missed for her smiles, silliness, love, and generous spirit. 

Maria is survived by four children, ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren including Rebecca Apodaca and husband Abe, granddaughter Nicole and husband Stephan Jochum, great-grandchildren Lucas, Sophia, Josef and Oliver, grandson Matthew, grandson Michael and wife Nellie, great-granddaughter Maelle, grandson Jeff and great-granddaughter Mckayla, grandson Andrew, great grandchildren Jeremiah and Grace; son Bobby Contreras and wife Norma, grandson Chris, great granddaughter Bella; son Ralph Contreras and wife Jody, granddaughter Stephanie and husband Stephen Gardiner, great-grandchildren Gabe and Leah; granddaughter Samantha; and daughter Racquel Huslig, granddaughter Kennedy and grandson Mason.  She is also survived by three sisters, Irma Mooney, Maria (Maruca) Frausto and husband Jamie, and Siglinda Weeks, and two brothers, Carlos Garza and wife Lupe, and Richard Garza and wife Susan. 

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm in Tesuque, NM.  For detailed information on the services, please contact Samantha Contreras at Eye Associates of NM or Racquel Huslig at golfwise@aol.com.  A link to view the service will be forthcoming.  Arrangements were entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation in Maria’s name at nmccfgivingthanks.org and then clicking Memorial Donation. The family thanks you for your thoughts, support, prayers and love.