Maria von Trotha (nee Herrada) was born on October 14, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas to Aurelio and Marcelina Herrada.  She was the oldest of 5 children.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

She married Edgar L von Trotha, Jr on August 20, 1977 in Alamogordo, New Mexico and together they had 4 children.  She had 2 beautiful daughters, Diane Brewer of Elgin, Oklahoma and Lorraine Peek of Kaufmann, Texas.  Her two stepsons are Edgar von Trotha III of Snohomish Washington and Eric von Trotha of Gig Harbor, Washington.  As a blended family she and Edgar were grandparents to 10 grandchildren and 2, soon to be, 3 great granddaughters.

Maria was known to all for her beautiful and infectious smile and her warm, caring and loving attitude toward all.  She never met a stranger and could light up a room the moment she entered it.

For over 8 years she served as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Mark's Catholic Church by serving communion to those in nursing homes who were unable to attend mass.  She was a devout Catholic and Christian.  Not only did she serve them communion, but she ministered to their social needs as well by providing friendship and conversation to those who had few visitors.  The Covid 19 pandemic brought all of that to a halt when nursing homes were closed to outside visitors.

She enjoyed life but found particular joy in sewing, traveling, walking and a newfound hobby in a ceramics class that was also ended by the pandemic.

Over the past 9 years Maria suffered through 4 hemorrhagic strokes, the last of which caused the end of her life. Even though she experienced these adversities she always faced them with her usual smile and positive attitude and was determined to fight and bounce back.  She continued to treat everybody she met with her warm and friendly heart.  She never met a stranger.

In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she is survived by her brothers Aurelio, Jr of San Antonio. Carlos of San Antonio and Antonio of Houston as well as her sisters Rosa and Virginia both of San Antonio.  Another sister predeceased her. Additionally, there are 4 nieces, 3 nephews and numerous grand nieces, nephews and godchildren.   Her family will miss her more than words can say, but they will remain family and provide the support and love to each other to navigate their way through their grief.

The family is grieving deeply for Maria, but Grief is the price we pay for love.