Maria Isidora Tavares

nee Rayas.  Beloved wife of the late Manuel.  Loving mother of Yolanda (Francisco) Munoz, Gustavo (Concepcion), Irma (Manuel) Montiel, Delia (Demond) Lord, Socorro Almanza, Alicia, Manuel, Lucy, Frank (Yolanda), Lupita (Edwin) Roldan and Miriam.  Caring grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was also a dear sister, sister-in-law, and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Our mother was loved by so many. She loved keeping the family together; she enjoyed family gatherings and loved having visitors every day, from family and friends to neighbors. She admired beautiful gardens, and loved colorful, bright flowers. She married Manuel Tavares 69 years ago and lovingly had a family of 14, in which only 11 remain. She was a mother of 8 girls and 3 boys, which expanded the beautiful family to 33 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She loved traveling anywhere that her family was; she was the first to have her luggage ready to go. Listening to music made her soul happy, and she smiled as she told stories from the past of the many happy memories she held closely to her heart.

She also loved the outdoors, always planning to gather the family and go to the park, or on occasion to the store to shop. She loved shopping for new clothes when she knew she had an invitation, whether it was a casual visit somewhere or to a party.

All who knew Maria Tavares knew how sophisticated she was. We all knew how careful she was with her hair, she did not want anyone touching her beautiful curls because she did not want it out of place. She did not like it messy. She refused to wear any hats at all, no matter how cold it was outside. She was also very specific about the clothing she wore; her favorite colors to wear were red and black, along with her small hoop earrings (aracadas), her favorite chain necklace, and unforgettable watch that belonged to our beloved father.

Maria Tavares always extended a helping hand to whomever needed it, no matter what it was. If it wasn’t within her reach, she would always figure it out.

She had a love for cooking. She always cooked as if she were cooking for an army. She always said, “Just in case someone comes by, or I’ll share with the neighbors.” Her cooking was deliciously amazing.

Being the backbone of this family, she left us with broken hearts, but with lots of beautiful memories that will forever remain in our hearts. She will truly be missed.