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Maria E. Cortes
1972 - 2025
BORN
1972
DIED
2025
Maria Cortes Obituary
Born: April 20, 1972 in LaPiedad, Michoacan, Mexico
Died: November 9, 2025
STERLING – Maria E. Cortes, age 53, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, surrounded by her loving family.
Maria was born on April 20, 1972, in La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico daughter of Manuel and Trinidad (Melgoza) Cortes. She married Joseluis Cervantes on January 8, 1999, in Mexico. Maria dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her husband of 26 years, Joseluis, and her only daughter, Valeria.
Maria loved to spend time with her family and close friends, fostering a loving environment for all who entered her home. She loved to cook for anyone who visited and enjoyed hosting gatherings. She was known for her kind spirit, infectious laugh, unwavering strength, and positive, loving attitude.
Survivors include her husband, Joseluis Cervantes of Sterling; one daughter, Valeria (Kevin Armstrong) Cervantes of Urbana, IL; three children by marriage, Jose (Rachel Rodriguez) Cervantes of Easttampton Township, NJ, Marina (Dylan Smith) Cervantes of Rock Falls IL, Tiburcio Cervantes of Sterling, IL; one sister, Imelda (Martin) Muñoz of Casa Grande, AZ; three brothers, Juan Cortes of Casa Grande, AZ, Marcos (Guadalupe) Cortes of Baldwin Park, CA and Jorge (Leticia) Cortes of Sterling.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM with Reverend Carlos Monsalve officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support Maria's husband, Joseluis, to help cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost income from caregiving. Donations may be made at https://gofund.me/eb9697409.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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