Maria O. Esquivel, 79, of Galesburg, died at 4:25 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2020, in Seminary Manor.
She was born July 1, 1940, in D’Hanis, Texas, the daughter of Sebastian and Ermalinda (Silva) Ortega. She married Natividad “Nate” Esquivel Sr. on January 23, 1966 in Mexico. Some years later, they rededicated their marriage in Las Vegas. He preceded her in death July 27, 2017.
She is survived by her children, Margo (Jeff) Thompson of Galesburg, Nate Esquivel Jr. of Wataga, and Luz (Felicia) Esquivel of Firestone, Colorado; step-daughters, Ramona Whitson of Galesburg and Mary Jane Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas; eight grandchildren, Nate Esquivel III, Cort Pickard, Gavin Thompson, Isabelle Esquivel, Amber Esquivel, Rosarlio Gutierrez Jr., Johnny Gutierrez, and Adam Gutierrez; two great-grandchildren, Izik Esquivel and Andrik Esquivel; a brother, Felix (Janet) Ortega of Watertown, Wisconsin; and a sister, Irene (Walter) Vogt, also of Watertown. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jesse Esquivel; and three sisters, Isabel in infancy, Julia Nelson, and Mary Lou Rodriguez.
Maria was a homemaker. She was a devout Catholic, who enjoyed studying the Bible. Maria loved caring for her family, sewing, gardening, and cooking. She also was an artist, enjoying painting the most.
Cremation will be accorded. The family will have a private gathering at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel on Friday, January 3, 2020. Private family burial of Maria, Nate Sr., and Jesse will be in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
