Maria was born and raised in Ecuador.  She was a member of Saint Agustin Church where she was a catechist and a member of Marian group. At the age of 25, she moved to New York City and then she moved down to Miami Lakes, FL. with her family. There she became a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Church.  She became a volunteer in homebound. While living in Miami Lakes; she started an embroidery company called, Embroidery Unlimited, and was a business owner for 20 years. Through her business she met her husband Bruce. They have 2 daughters, Stephanie and Amy.

In 1995, her family moved to Cornelius, NC. Maria, her husband and their two daughters have been members of St. Therese since 1995 and she has been involved in many programs: the rosary group, renewal group with Fr. Bill, the swat team, Tide group, Catechist, Eucharistic ministry, homebound, Spanish Choir, Spanish RCIA, and for the last six years representing the spanish community at the Pastoral Council. She worked for Iredell county Health Department until 2014.

Maria has recently retired and enjoys her time off traveling to Florida and spending time with family. She also enjoys gardening and volunteering her time to helping those in need.