Maria M. Galan

In Loving Memory of Maria M. Galan

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maria M. Galan. She departed this life for her eternal home, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless sacrifice, and unconditional love.

Born on November 15, 1930, in the care of her parents, Isabel and Marciana Ventura Martinez, Maria was one of twelve children. Her journey began in a family of migrant farmers, where strength was learned early. Though her formal education ended after the third grade, her wisdom and determination were boundless. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Jose, Bernardo, Francisco, and Jesus, and her sisters Victoria Gomez, Sarah, Francisca Quesada, Maria Dolores, and a set of twins. She is survived by her devoted sister, Magdalena Garcia.

Maria's life was a testament to quiet resilience and hard work. She rolled cigars at Finch Cigars and later took on odd jobs-cleaning homes, ironing, caring for children, and selling Avon-all to build a life for her one and only daughter, MaryRose. Every sacrifice was made with love, every effort a silent prayer for a better future.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A longtime member of Iglesia Bautista Central, she served in the choir and the Union Feminil, and her prayers were a constant morning and night rhythm. For years, she and her "little Mary" traveled by bus, rain or shine, to church with family, to doctor's appointments, and to visit loved ones. Their world was navigated together on city buses, from trips downtown to Joske's and Solo Serve, to Sunday lunches at Luby's with her dear sister Jovita, Angie, and Lily.

Maria's greatest mission was her daughter. She stayed up late to help with school projects, picked up homework during illnesses, and constantly encouraged MaryRose to excel. "You need to go to college," she would say, her own education cut short, but her dreams for her daughter limitless. That devotion extended seamlessly to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lovingly cared for Christopher and Lauren, even taking the bus to Austin to be with them, her joy complete in their presence. Her family grew to include her son-in-law, Roland Sanchez, her grandchildren, Christopher and Lauren, and her five adored great-granddaughters, Marissa, Brooke, Lily, Olivia, and Christine.

In her later years, living with MaryRose and Roland, she enjoyed trips to the coast, birthday dinners, and the warmth of family gatherings. Her life was enriched by simple joys: the beach, a nice dinner, and the laughter of her family.

Maria Galan was the most important woman in our lives. She gave everything for her family and to God. Her love was our foundation, her prayers our shelter, and her memory will be our guiding light.

We will carry her in our hearts, always.

"Her children arise and call her blessed." – Proverbs 31:28

A service to celebrate Maria's life and faith will be held on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels Medical Center, 8332 Fredericksburg Rd. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm. On Wednesday, January 21st, we will have visitation from 9:00 am - 10:00 am with a short prayer service at 10:00 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels Medical Center followed by a funeral procession to Resurrection Cemetery on 11624 Culebra Road .