Our beloved mother, Maria Eliza Huitzacua Hernandez Dominguez passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2024, at the age of 101. She was born on December 11, 1922, in Rockford, IL to Rafael and Rafaela Huitzacua. She was one of ten siblings, all of whom have predeceased her except for her sister, Tina Ramirez of Baldwin Park, CA. Maria married Augustine Hernandez and they had seven children; she later divorced, raised her seven children, and in 1998 married Hipolito Dominguez, who pre-deceased her in 2018.

Maria was a loving, devoted mother, generous beyond her means, and loved by many. Although she was a single mom of seven, she always welcomed others to our home. She worked at Nelson Knitting, was a talented seamstress, and loved to garden, play bingo, and have family gatherings.

She is survived by her seven children, Luz “Lucy” Cortinez (John), Anita Hauser (Doug), George Hernandez (Mary), Augustine Hernandez, Ernesto Hernandez (Jenean), Luisa Sumeracki, Estella Mendelson (Stuart); 10 grandchildren, Teresa Sigala (Michael), Anna Sanchez (Fredy Martinez), Stephanie Anderson, Andrea Macias (Joseph), Eva Khoury (George), Emily Ketelsen (Thomas), Augustine Hernandez, Mary Trujillo (Marcelo), Alexander Mendelson, and Eric Mendelson; 14 great-grandchildren, Michael Sigala (Alejandra), Raymon Sigala (Hope), Felipe Sanchez, Adan Sanchez, Carlos Jimenez (Marketa), Anthony Jimenez, Dominic Guzman, Justina Guzman, Michael Hollis, Ethan Ketelsen, Olivia Ketelsen, Gavin Ketelsen, Isabela Trujillo, Matthew Trujillo; and 4 great-great-grandchildren, Mateo Sigala, Milo Sigala, Rosalee Jimenez and Julian Jimenez.

Maria’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Special thanks to Stephanie Anderson, Teresa and Michael Sigala, Fredy Martinez and Anna Sanchez, Christina Leviskas, OSF Hospice, and St. Rita's Homebound Ministry.

Funeral Service at 10:00 am Monday, October 7. 2024 at Tony Gasparini Funerals, 4301 North Main Street Rockford. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Sunday, October 6 in the funeral home. Visitation is also from 9:00 am until 10:00 am Monday in the funeral home.