In loving memory of Maria Apodaca

My name is Mercedes Esparza, eldest daughter to Maria Apodaca and Ruben Apodaca. Growing up, I always saw my parents happy, always traveling and hosting large gatherings. It was my mother’s favorite thing to do every time. She had a theme for everything: Valentine's, Easter, Saint Patrick’s Day… no matter the holiday, she had the flowers and home decorations to match and the house decorated. People would randomly come from the neighborhood to the house just to ask and see what her Christmas or Halloween decorations would be. If there was a person out in the street cold, she would take the sweater off her back to give them. Don’t get me started on bugs and animals… hahaha… She would catch a fly and let it go rather than get a fly swatter and smash it. She loves to feed the birds and makes sure every day that they have water and seeds. They look for her every morning! Wild turkeys come to her doorstep just to eat! She was there for everyone.

Sadly, my mom has passed. She lost her battle to cancer. She is survived by her husband and her 6 children (my brother and sisters). Her death was unexpected, and to help with bills and costs for my dad is why I created this. He would tell me to take this down. He’s a proud man. But anything helps, and it would help him tremendously.