Maria de la Luz Vera Tovar

December 7, 1938 - November 20, 2015

Maria De La Luz Vera Tovar December 7, 1938 to November 20, 2015 Maria De La Luz Vera Tovar passed away peacefully on Friday, 11/20/2015, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and many other loving family members. She was 17 days shy of her 77th birthday. Maria was preceded by the passing of her devoted husband, Antonio M. Tovar, to whom she was married to for 43 years. She was also preceded by the passing of her son, Carlos V. Tovar. Maria was born in Cortazar, Guanajuato, Mexico. At the age of 14 Maria met and married the love of her life, Antonio. They migrated to the United States from Mexico in 1959 and established their home in Santa Barbara, CA. The importance of family was the utmost focus in Maria’s life. She always stressed the unity and strength of family. When her son Carlos suffered a life-altering accident, she made it her life’s mission to care for him until his death. Additionally, Maria and Antonio always opened their home to extended family and acquaintances that came to the United States from Mexico and helped in their transition in becoming self-sustaining and productive members in their new country. Some of her favorite pastimes were crocheting and sewing. Maria also enjoyed assembling puzzles and working in her garden. Another of her most gratifying diversions was spending time at the casino with her eldest son, Tony. However, her greatest enjoyment was being a caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was affectionately known as ‘Mom’ by many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren because of her direct involvement in raising them. Maria is survived by five of her children: Tony, Alex, Maria Elena, Javier and Guillermo. Her many grandchildren include: Erika, Evy, Gaby, Alejandrito, Katie, Eli, Manuel, Shantea, Christy, Audrey, Carissa, Robert, Kurt and Angel. Her great-grandchildren are: Izabella, Blanca, Juliana, Giana, Natalie, Noah, Ariana, Marisa, Kaylie, Ben, Jade and Natasha. Services are as follows: a rosary will be held on Tuesday, 11/24/15, from 6-7 PM at Welch-Ryce Mortuary. Mass will be held will be held Wednesday, 11/25/15, at 10 AM at Holy Cross Chapel. The burial will take place immediately after at the Santa Barbara Cemetery.