DOWNEY - Maria Espinoza, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on April 23, 1940 to Ramon and Fidela Tapia, passed away Jan. 20 at 9 a.m.Her death came after a 3-month battle with cirrhosis of the liver, which she contracted more than 30 years ago when she received a blood transfusion following an operation. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Espinoza. She is survived by her son, Roberto; daughters, Lizzeta, Oralia, Lorena, Violeta and Veronica; 17 grandchildren; five brothers; four sisters; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Jan. 27 at Miller-Mies Mortuary in Downey. A Mass in her honor is scheduled for Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Raymond's Church.

********** Published: January 27, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 41