Maria Garibay

Maria Guadalupe Garibay died Wednesday evening, June 6, 2012 at her home surrounded by her loved ones and her precious cat, Camille. She fought a courageous 12 year battle with cancer and was an inspiration and a positive example to all who knew her. Maria was born to Francisco and Socorro (Chavez) Martinez on June 1, 1956 in Matamoros Tamaulipas, Mexico. She came to live with her family in Madelia, MN in the early 1970's. Maria married Aurelio Garibay on July 22, 1977 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Madelia. They made their home together in Madelia until Aurelio died on February 17, 1999. Maria then moved to her little white house at 114 3rd St. NE and lived there until the time of her death. Maria had a passion for life and lived every day to the fullest. She loved her flowers and spending time in her gardens. She was very dedicated to her job at Tony Downs Foods in Madelia and continued to work until shortly before her death. She was active in her faith, the Watonwan County Cancer Support Group, the Watonwan County Relay for Life, the community garden and was an advocate for the Hispanic community, helping however she could. Maria is survived by her brother, Faustino Martinez of Mexico; 6 sisters, Francisca Martinez of Madelia, Soledad Martinez of N. Mankato, Maria Luisa Flores of Madelia, Sara Rieger of New Ulm, Adelita Molina of Houston, TX, and Elena Eichberger of Mankato; many nieces and nephews, of whom she was very proud; her dear cat Camille; special friend Kristi Zellmann and many other friends. She touched many lives and was kind to everyone she met. She was preceded in death by her father, Francisco Martinez, in 1987; husband, Aurelio Garibay, in 1999 and her mother, Socorro Martinez in 2010. Service Information 10:30 am Saturday, June 9, 2012 St. Mary's Catholic Church-Madelia 19 Crosby Ave. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery-Madelia East Main Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062