It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our loving mother, Maria "Melu" Maldonado, at the age of 88.

Maria "Melu" Maldonado was born on Christmas Day in 1936 in Encinal, TX but was raised in Laredo, TX. She has a younger sister, Josefina Gonzalez and a brother Refugio Santos.

Maria married the love of her life, Agustin, in 1965 and in 1969 had the first of their four children. She was an adoring wife and mother who continuously provided unconditional love and unwavering support to her family.

Maria was known for her overwhelming kindness and treated everyone like family, she often became everyone's second "mom."

Maria enjoyed shopping, traveling, gambling and most of all spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a great storyteller and loved telling jokes. She was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of America for over 30 years and attended mass regularly.

She is survived by her children, Laura Maldonado-Ortiz (Richard), Adriana Maldonado-Livas (George), Nora Diettrich (Derek), Agustin Maldonado, Jr. (Natalie); grandchildren, Miranda Ortiz (Edward), Christian Ortiz, Jude Livas, Seth Livas, Madelyn Maldonado, Izaiah Diettrich and great grandchild, Myla Rose Escandon. Her sister Josefina Gonzalez, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, all who she loved dearly.

She is preceded in death by her husband Agustin Maldonado, her grandson Elijah Diettrich and her brother Refugio Santos.

Public visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Guardian Funeral Home Chapel with a Holy Rosary and celebration of Melu's life to begin at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. with the funeral procession to depart at 10:35 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. funeral mass at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church at 3502 Saratoga Blvd. Burial will follow at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery .