Maria Mojica Diaz

Maria Mojica Diaz, 93, passed away surrounded by her loving family on August 25, 2026. Devoted wife of the late Mateo for over 60 years. Beloved mother of Manuel (Teri) Mojica, Antonio (Ana Delia) Mojica, Margarita Mojica, Hector (Barbara) Mojica, Raymond (Kathy) Mojica, Luz (the late Efrain) Munoz, Mateo (Anamarie) Mojica Jr, and Orlando (Angie) Mojica. Cherished grandmother of Angie (Ralph) Nicole (Eric), Ashley, Jason (Grisell), Matthew (Monica), Autumn, Ariel, Jenny (Andrew), Belissa (Edwin), Gabriel, Andrew, Raymond Jr, Monica, Michelle (Robert), Amanda, Lyancy (Kevin), Orlando Jr (Cindy), and Alyssa. Great grandmother of Danielle, Annalicia, Manny, Christopher, Eric, Ethan, Jovani, Jahayra, Anthony Jr, Gianna, Kahlel, Olivia, Ellie, Brielle, Karina, Vincent, Mateo, Daniel, Mia, Isaiah, and Adrian. Dear sister of Antonia, the late Carlos, the late Isabella, and the late Dolores. Fond aunt of many.

Maria was born in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, daughter of Engracia and Romona As a young teenager she helped run her dad's small sugar cane plantation. Maria was a woman of her era taking on adult responsibilities while being a child herself. At the plantation she met her husband Mateo and married at a young age. After the birth of their fifth child Raymond, a decision was made to move the family to Chicago, in search of a better life. Maria found herself in a place where she had no family or friends, a language she could not speak, a culture foreign to her and five children to take care of. She was only in her mid-twenties, but she was a survivor, and she quickly adapted to her new environment.

Maria loves, loves listening to Spanish music and dancing until she was out of breath. She loved life.

She enjoyed planting both indoors and outdoors. Maria was quick to show you how her plants were progressing.

Maria was a religious woman. She prayed every single night, for more than just a minute. She opened her home to the church to house Spanish speaking priest during brief visits to the United States in order provide an environment they can feel comfortable in and have food they were more familiar with while away from home. She attended numerous retreats.

Maria was all about family. She lived for her children and grandchildren. Family gatherings brought rnuch joy. She always preached unity within the family.

Maria will be remembered as an amazing woman who continuously sacrificed throughout her life for her children and extended family, providing them with unconditional love. She touched everybody she met in ways they will always remember. Maria leaves behind eight children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren

Visitation will be Sunday, August 30, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W Lawrence Ave, Norridge. Funeral services will begin on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, then proceed to St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church, Niles, for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery.