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Maria Tobias Obituary
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Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother
Maria Carmen Tobias, the epitome of love and joy, and the revered matriarch of a loving family, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children on May 30, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. She was 91 years young.
Maria was born on March 4, 1933, in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila Mexico to her late parents, Jose and Guadalupe DeLuna. She married Richard C. Tobias on June 21, 1954, they were married 46 years.
Maria is preceded in death by her husband Richard C. Tobias, her son Alexander DeLuna Tobias, her first grandson Timothy Dorrance Powers and siblings Andres DeLuna, Arturo DeLuna, Gonzalo DeLuna, and Socorro Rodriguez.
Maria was the heart of our home and family. She devoted her life to raising her eight children, Richard Joseph Tobias, Ruben DeLuna Tobias (Carmen), Jimmy DeLuna Tobias, Annette DeLuna Carreras (Albert), Diana T. Powers (Timothy), Joann DeLuna Tobias, and Stephen DeLuna Tobias (Tere).
Maria's legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren: Jennifer, Elise, Alexander, Christopher, Anthony, Alysia, Andrew, Austin, Stephanie, Johnny, Nina, Michael, Ashley, Alexandra, and Andres, as well as her treasured great-grandchildren Félix, Rémi, Emerson, Miabelle, Nina Marie, Christopher Ruben, Lilyana Nicole, Willow, and Indy. She is survived by her sister, Lydia Hernandez.
Maria's life is a testament to the power of love, humor, and resilience.
Known for her selflessness and caring nature, Maria had a heart of gold that she extended to everyone around her. She saw the good in all people and had a natural gift to make sure each person feel special and loved. This extended to complete strangers and people who she had just met for the very first time. She was quick to compliment them and make them feel welcome. Her high energy and vivacious spirit made her the life of the family gatherings, and her humorous stories and strong-willed character never failed to leave a lasting impression. Maria was a devoted mother and grandmother, always ensuring that her family felt her endless love and support.
Maria took pride in her appearance and demeanor as she always wanted to look good for those around her. An avid player of dominos and rummy, Maria was known as the perennial CHAMPION among her friends and family. Her green thumb was evident in the beautiful yard she lovingly tended to, and the sounds of mariachi music often filled her home, a nod to her proud Mexican heritage. Maria embraced her U.S. citizenship with honor, blessings and enormous pride. At home, her family eagerly awaited dinner time for her traditional buñuelos and authentic home-made tortillas! Her trademark at Thanksgiving Dinner was well-known- the prized turkey leg was hers for the claiming!
The words loving, honest, kind, and funny can only begin to describe Maria. For anyone that she met, she had the unique ability to find humor in everyday situations and to spread kindness wherever she went, which endeared many to her. She was a special lady whose infectious laughter, adorable accent, fanciful mannerisms, and uplifting spirit were synonymous with her being.
As we remember Maria, we celebrate the rich, full life she led and the profound impact she had on those fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories passed down through generations and in the love that continues to bloom in the hearts of her family and friends.
Maria's life was a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and the unwavering strength of a woman who cherished her family above all else. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on, not only in the memories we hold dear but in the love that binds us together as a family.
Maria C. Tobias will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever be a guiding light in the lives of those she touched. We honor her memory by celebrating the incredible woman she was and by continuing to exemplify the values she instilled in us all. Rest in peace, Beautiful Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother; your love will always be our guiding star.
MOM, WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS TO THE MOON AND BACK!
To honor our mother's wishes there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life in honor of Maria will be held in August 2024. Invitations to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that in remembrance of Maria, please spread love and kindness to anyone, especially those in need.
The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Sahar Avestimehr and Mary Lopez, Nurse with Embrace Hospice.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Maria, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Susan Powers
July 24, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the beautiful family of Maria Carmen Tobias. A wonderful blessed woman, matriarch. Rest in peace Maria. May God bless you all at this very sad time.
Love
Sue Powers
Delia Tobias
June 17, 2024
My deepest condolences to you and yours family.I will always remember her sweet smile and beautiful natural. She was so proud and loved her children and grandchildren so much. Your mother was an amazing woman. Best time was great coffee and story time. Tia Carmen thank you sharing about Frank´s life. May God keep you all in his embrace at this difficult time. Tia Carmen will be deeply missed.
Love you more !
Rick Tobias
June 15, 2024
As the eldest child, I felt the enormous pride and love that my beautiful mother, Maria C. Tobias, showed me. I felt very blessed and touched. But I also know that my siblings felt the same pride and love. She would continually recall distant memories with us that lifted her spirit (and ours) and it was evident that the love that she exhibited as she told these fond stories could be clearly seen in her eyes and felt in her words that she shared with each of of us. Although we may have not liked all of her decisions as we were growing up, we realized later in life that they were all correct. She always held the best interests of her children first - even at the expense of her personal interests. She did not hesitate to sacrifice for her children. With humble beginnings and challenges throughout her life, especially as a single mother of eight children for many years, she was still able to amply provide for her children and set the foundation for us to succeed. We would not be who we are today if not for her sacrifices, guidance, support and love. By every day example, she also taught us how to respect, love and care for others. I think, because of that, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all wanted to visit and spend time with her on the weekend. We all enjoyed her company, stories and games of Dominoes and Rummy.
She was a genuine treasure who provided unconditional love to our family. She was the heart of our home and family. She was known for her selflessness and caring nature. She had a heart of gold that she extended to everyone around her. She saw the good in all people and had a natural gift to make sure each person felt special and loved. This extended to complete strangers and people who she had just met for the very first time. She was quick to compliment them and make them feel welcome. Her high energy and vivacious spirit made her the life of the family gatherings, and her humorous stories and strong-willed character never failed to leave a lasting impression. She had the unique ability to find humor in everyday situations and to spread kindness wherever she went. Mom will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever be a guiding light to our family and the lives of others she touched. I continue to feel her soul and presence and I am comforted to know that our Angel will continue to look over us here on Earth. Rest in peace, Beautiful Lady and Mother.
Your adoring son,
Rick
Diana Tobias Powers
June 12, 2024
Dear Beautiful Mother,
I miss you so much.
I sit here and wonder how I missed getting to know my beautiful mother as much as I could have. I married young and soon after moved to another state. At my young ignorant age, I had no idea I was missing the best of you. Yes, we talked for many many hours, but I missed getting to grow with you, know you, your thoughts, your knowledge, your warm hugs, your radiant smile, your infectious laugh. Time flew by, and I suddenly realized I needed you more than ever. In our later years I would call you and ask if I could visit and stay with you and just talk, just you and me. Your adorable response was always, welcome to my world! I could feel your happiness, my happiness! I wanted to hear all your stories, from how you met Dad, what was it like growing up in Mexico, your adventures, being on the radio, TV, working at a young age, recipes, friends, traveling the world. After each visit my heart filled even more, you are an inspiration! I love your ways!
Oh, how I love being with you, it gave me so much joy to make you laugh, to hear your laugh, the two of us staying up all night playing dominoes, rummy and chatting away into the early hours. Mom, I remember how proud and excited you were to get letters from the White House. These were your "awards" that you proudly displayed in your home. My unique mother, I adore you!
Mom, you simply amazed me with your courage and determination. You were a wonderful role model, you loved with all your heart, you treated all people with kindness, you were positive, fun, smart, and ever so beautiful. Tim loved and respected you dearly, he loved your attention and getting all the points! Tim always wanted to be your #1 and to make you proud! Thank you for loving Tim and treating him as your own. My sons Timothy, Andrew and Austin loved you deeply, they cherished your wonderful hugs, your undivided attention, your generosity, your readiness to listen and your unconditional love. I remember Timothy telling me he recognized the smell of your perfume and would say Grandmother smells the BEST! Thank you for loving my boys, your grandsons with all of your heart.
I would say raising eight children and managing a busy household was one of your greatest accomplishments! You did a great job, and I am so proud of you. You will always be the strongest woman I know. I was truly blessed to have you as my mother, you showed our family so much love. We all miss you dearly, but your beautiful memory will guide and comfort us always. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for living your life to the fullest. I am forever grateful for the most wonderful life you gave me.
Rest in peace Mom. Give big hugs and kisses to Dad, Alex and my son, your grandson Timothy!
Your daughter, Diana
I love you to the moon and back and more!
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