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Maria was born in New York City on September 24, 1949 and passed away peacefully in West St. Paul, Minnesota on April 28th, 2026.
She is preceded in death by her mother Cayita, father Santiago, brother Santiago Jr., son Robertito, and niece Sarah.
Maria is survived by her husband Ricardo Carreras, and her sons, Jon Daniels Garcia (Hiroko), James Yancey Garcia (Michelle), Jason Matthew Garcia (Bobbi), Andre Luis Carreras (Myranda), and Marcus Lapointe Carreras; grandchildren, Jessica Garcia, Gabriela Garcia, Amiya Carreras, Andre Carreras, Robert Carreras, Samson Carreras, Leonidas Carreras; siblings, Elsa Vega Pérez (Harry), Daniel Vega (Bridget) and Jose Caban (Betty Ann); nephews, Harel, Santiago III, Daniel Juan, José, Pablo, and Justice; nieces, Silena, Milagros, Natasha, JuliElsa, India and Illiana, Felicia, Maria Isa, Vanessa, Denise and Monica along with several grand nieces and grand nephews who adored her. She was the BEST "Titi Chi-Chi," to all of them. She is also survived by her best friend Carmen Robles, and special daughters Robyne, Jessica, Stephanie, Lea and Adriana.
Maria's smile lit up every room she would enter. She adored cats since she was a little girl. She lived in New York, Guam, Virginia Puerto Rico and brought the Cha, Cha, Cha moves like no other to Minnesota. She enjoyed bible study, cooking, working administration at the MN Historical Society, followed by working and retiring from Twin Cities United Way 211.
Maria would want you to honor her life dancing salsa, eating a good Boricua meal with family and making joyful friendships.
A Visitation for Maria will be held from 1-3PM, on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Simple Traditions by Bradshaw (488 Humboldt Ave., St. Paul). Memorial Talk at 3PM.
Join us via Zoom at: Zoom ID 899 1779 1154; Password: 476585
Monday, May 4, 2026
1:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)
Simple Traditions Funerals & Cremations
Monday, May 4, 2026
3:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Simple Traditions Funerals & Cremations
Visits: 538
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