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Maria Mathes
January 8th, 1941 - September 25th, 2024
January 8th, 1941 - September 25th, 2024
Michaelene Maria Mathes, age 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents Michael Stephen Mathes and Matilda Pauline Kempf Mathes. She is survived by her twin sister Dr. Patricia Mathes Cane, PhD and two special friends of many years, Cindy Roybal and Carla Amoruso.
Maria was born on January 8, 1941 in Houston, Texas. She spent most of her childhood in Montebello, California. After attending Our Lady of Loretto High School, Maria entered the Sisters of the Presentation in San Francisco. There she attended the University of San Francisco for her BA in Elementary Education. Maria was a Presentation Sister for 16 years teaching in schools in Berkeley, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Pecos, New Mexico. She moved to New Mexico in the late 60s and she loved it so much she made it her home. In Pecos she was a devoted teacher for 25 years. Maria has many loving students and colleagues. She had quite a few accomplishments; among them was working with the Aids Quilt Project and as founder of the Whitney Project, supporting children with HIV/AIDS. Maria also started the Pecos Ski Club and sponsored many other clubs for youth.
Maria was a modern day “Saint Francis”. She loved all animals, especially dogs which she rescued all the time. Later in life she worked at a kennel, where aside from walking, feeding and cleaning the animals, she specialized in wrapping urns of ashes of cremated dogs. She did that with such love and pride. She also worked as a Santa Claus and an Easter Bunny during holidays at the Santa Fe malls. Everyone who knew Maria recognized her loving, joking personality. She will truly be missed, especially by all the animals.
There will be a Mass in celebration of the life of Maria at San Isidro on Friday, October 18th, 2024 at 10 am. A gathering of friends will be held at the FOP Lodge #3 at 3300 Calle Maria Luisa, Santa Fe.
If you wish to honor Maria, you may make a donation to Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary, 3749-A State Road 14, Santa Fe, NM, 87508 or the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, 100 Caja Del Rio Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507. Both were near and dear to Maria’s heart.
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Tributes
Joseph Newman
In 45+ years of continuous rescued cats and dogs, who became family members and dearly loved companions, their loss has always been painful. At the end it’s been a personal responsibility to continue with them to complete the journey together. The final destination occasionally came too soon and too often. The journey was always challenging but was made easier knowing and trusting them to Maria. Maria genuinely and sincerely recognized, felt, and shared the pain of their loss. I will remain forever impressed and in awe of her enduring and remarkable empathy and compassion. And the reverence with her special attention to the remains. She treated all as if they were her own. There are special people in our lives who become loved, invaluable, and immensely influential—too often without their knowledge. They unintentionally lead by example committed to adding value with their dedication, compassion, and special presence. No need for recognition. Maria was truly special. She knew how I felt. It’s been nearly a year since my last journey to see Maria. It will not be the same without her. I know Maria has a special place in the hearts of so many others. We should all be missed as deeply as Maria.
Jeanne Adelo
You were a great teacher and mentor to so many of us. Our own singing nun. Your presence will be missed. Fly with the angels!
Leslie Bogucki
Dear Family and Friends of Maria, I got to know here early in my education at the College of Santa Fe. She always made you feel welcome and at home. She lived to help people and animals out. I know she lived her dogs and was a great foster mom. She left her mark on this world through her actions of kindness and care. My sincerest condolences go out to you all. Leslie Bogucki
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