Mary Theresa Santa Maria, age 94, of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Mary was born on March 4, 1931, to Don and Josephine Torres in Bernalillo, New Mexico. She was the eldest of four sisters, including Jane, Agnes, and Diane. At a young age, her family moved from Bernalillo to Los Angeles. During her childhood, Mary, lovingly known as Terry, was afflicted with tuberculosis and spent two years hospitalized. It was during this time that she developed a deep love for reading and a growing trust in God, gaining an appreciation for people of all backgrounds and cultures that shaped her compassionate heart.

Terry attended Catholic Girls High School in Los Angeles and later Compton Community College. In 1950, she met the love of her life, Louie, on the corner of 5th and Broadway after a broken movie date with a friend led to a chance encounter. Their marriage, begun on April 8, 1951, was rooted in faith, prayer, and devotion to one another. They shared 68 years of marriage until Louie's passing.

Terry and Louie were devoted members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where their faith was lived out in service. They faithfully served in Marriage Enrichment and Pre Cana programs, walking alongside couples as they prepared for a Christ centered marriage. Prayer was the foundation of their home, and their Catholic faith guided every season of life.

They lived their faith quietly and humbly, never seeking recognition. Through prayer, generosity, and serving others, Terry and Louie modeled a life of faithful obedience to God. Terry's devotion to the Lord and her family never wavered, and her legacy of faith will continue through generations.

Terry's greatest joy was her family. Her home was always open, welcoming family and friends alike, and it reflected the warmth and love of a Christ centered home. She was known for her scratch cooking, with aromas that filled the neighborhood, and for holiday gatherings that were eagerly anticipated by all. A few of her cherished recipes, inspired by her love of serving others, were compiled in The Blue Pot Cookbook, co-authored by her granddaughter, Crystal.

Mary is survived by her children, Dori, Ray, Joe, Rick, Rob, and Gina. She was preceded in death by her sons, Mike and Chris.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Crystal and Dave, Scott, Mark and Caiti, Jennifer and James, Alisa and Sean, Kristina and Andy, Sarah and Michael, Ariel, Aaron and Tina, Robby, Renee, Andrew, and Rachael. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Hunter, Jenna, Brendan, Gabi, Alek, Emma, Julia, Josie, Ayla, Mason, Nora, and Ellie.

A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd. SE - Rio Rancho, NM 87124, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. A reception will be held immediately following the Mass in De Arco Hall.

"Blessed are those who die in the Lord; let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them."

Revelation 14:13

Mary Theresa Santa Maria will be remembered for her quiet strength, deep faith, generous spirit, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, prayer, and love that will continue for generations.