Maria G. Echevarria, age 88, late of South Chicago passed away on September 6, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Edmundo S. Echevarria. Loving mother of Ernestina (Jaime Avila) Echevarria-Avila, Edmund A. (CPD) (Mary Lou) Echevarria, Edilia (Lily) Echevarria-Villalpando (Adalberto Villalpando), Raul (CPD) (Marla) Echevarria, and Raquel Echevarria. Devoted grandmother of Alberto Puente, Yesenia Avila, Jaime A. Avila, Brianna Echevarria, Marilyn Echevarria, Elizabeth Echevarria (CPD), Camryn Echevarria, Kyle Villalpando, Apollonia Villalpando, Giselle Calderon, Vanessa Calderon, David Calderon, Anayise Echevarria, Alexis Laboy, Ariel Laboy (OEMC), and Angel Laboy. Cherished great-grandmother of Nathan, Victoria, Ethan, Isabella and Ricky. Dear daughter of the late Silvano and late Sebastiana Infante. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Maria G. Echevarria, a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Surrounded by the love of her family, Maria entered eternal rest on September 6, 2026.
Maria's life was defined by courage, sacrifice, faith, and unconditional love. At an early age, she left school to help care for her family while her mother was ill. In the 1960s, she came to the United States seeking opportunities to build a better life for those she loved. It was here that she met the love of her life, Edmundo S. Echevarria. They married in 1967 and shared 23 wonderful years together until Edmundo's passing in 1990. A devoted wife, Maria remained faithful to his memory for the rest of her life.
Together they built a loving home in Chicago, where Maria dedicated herself to raising their five children, Ernestina, Edmund, Edilia, Raul, and Raquel. As a stay-at-home mother, she instilled the values of hard work, respect, resilience, and family. Her children will always remember her strength, her unwavering love, and yes, even the famous chancla that helped keep them on the right path.
Maria was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her family. She had a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and cared for. A woman of deep faith, she found comfort in daily prayer and joy in gardening, sewing, listening to music, and taking long drives. Her generosity knew no bounds. Even when she had little, she was always willing to help others, often giving the last dollar in her purse to someone in need.
Known for her feisty spirit, strong will, and quick wit, Maria never backed down from a challenge. Her grandchildren especially loved teasing her, and the laughter they shared created memories that will be treasured forever.
Maria will be remembered for her loving heart, unwavering faith, strength, generosity, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in knowing that her love and legacy will live on through the family she cherished so deeply.
Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.
Visitation Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 2-8 p.m. Funeral Friday, September 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. from the Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL 60617 to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. 773-731-2749. www.elmwoodchapel.com.
Prayers at Elmwood Chapel
Friday, September 11, 2026 - 9:00 am
Funeral Mass:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
3200 East 91st Street
Chicago, Illinois 60617
Friday, September 11, 2026 - 10:00 am
Interment:
Holy Cross Cemetery
801 Michigan City Road
Calumet City, Illinois 60617
East Side
11200 S. Ewing Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 731-2749
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm