Maria Elena Serrano, 73, of Nampa passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, at a Boise hospital.  There will be a Vigil held on Friday, Dec. 29 from 5pm to 7pm at Alsip and Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. S., Nampa with a recitation of the rosary beginning at 7 pm. Catholic mass to celebrate her life, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 11am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 510 West Roosevelt Ave. Nampa.  Burial services at Kohlerlawn Cemetery will take place immediately following the mass.

Maria was born on May 6, 1944, in Weslaco, TX, to Rodrigo G. Martinez and Maria Guadalupe Correa.  She spent much of her early years as a migrant farm worker and caring for younger siblings—she was the oldest female of 12 children.  In the early 1960s, Maria’s family settled in Nampa after having worked as seasonal crop workers throughout the U.S.

As an adult, Maria was a tireless worker.  She balanced her time working at a potato processing plant in Nampa and as a seasonal farm worker.  She worked 21 years at the Nampa plant and retired in the early 2000s.

On her “free” time, Maria continued to work--repairing rental properties, tending to livestock/poultry, gardening iris and peonies, caring for children, and aiding in the construction of her Nampa home.  She valued hard work, faith, resilience, and goodwill. She impressed these values upon her 7 children and 7 grandchildren.

Maria’s loss will be felt by many family and friends who came to know her and appreciate her genuine nature, good humor, strength, and compassion.  In her 73 years, Maria provided us with many great memories and wisdom that will be shared with others for generations.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Maria is survived by a large immediate family consisting of six sons and one daughter (listed in ascending order): Ray Serrano, Maribel Serrano, Daniel Martinez, Alfredo Martinez, Leo (Maria) Martinez, John Martinez, and Ramiro Martinez in addition to seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by an even larger extended family of 5 brothers, 4 sisters, various in-laws, and countless nieces/nephews.