Maria E. (Rivas) Minney

Maria E. Minney

September 6, 1937 - December 31, 2024

Maria E. Minney of Monroe, Michigan passed away December 31, 2024 while visiting her children in California. She was surrounded by her sons, daughters, and grand children and loved ones.

Maria was one of 5 children born to her parents, Manuel and Adela (Rodriquez) Rivas, San Diego, California. While working at the Plaza Theater in San Diego she met the love of her life, James C. Minney while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. They Moved to Monroe and were married on July 20, 1959 at St. Mary’s Church. From an early age she knew she wanted a large family. Together, they welcomed their first son, Tony Minney in 1960. And, they continued to be blessed, having four more children.

While raising a young family of five, her strong faith, patience, and love for others, led her to her higher calling, in nursing, at Mercy Memorial Hospital. She loved watching and playing sports. Also, enjoyed coaching both her daughter in volleyball and softball at St. Mary school. As her faith became stronger she found a lot of joy working at the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) the motherhouse, caring for the retired elderly nuns (sisters) as they prepare for their meeting with our lord, Jesus Christ. Her last assignment until she retired.

While retired she and James traveled often to visit their children on the West Coast where they enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, Malibu, Palm Desert, San Diego and San Francisco Bay Area.

Her energy was contagious, she was able and willing to go anywhere with her children. She loved to laugh and dance. Her love for Hollywood and the magic of movies, gave her enjoyment. Listening to music made her happy, Barbara Streisand was one of her favorite performers, her favorite song is “The Way We Were." She enjoyed sitting in the sun, reading people magazine, and taking long car rides in the country. The last 6 months of her life she enjoyed meeting her friends at the YMCA for water aerobics.

Maria leaves three sons Tony Minney of Ohio, Roger (Kim) Minney of Los Angeles, Wendy (David) Osorio of Walnut Creek, Deborah Panzer of Brentwood and James E. Minney of Monroe. Nine grandchildren, Matthew, London, Tayler (Ricky) Zumbo, Alegna (Joshua) Wells, Mitchell, Neil, Cameron, Rachael and Grant. Five great-grandchildren, Angela, Marques, Andrew, Jackson and Isabella.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Efren, Armando, Manuel and her sister Norma.

Friends and Family may visit St. Mary church on Saturday, January 25, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Mass to begin at 11:00 at St. Mary Church. Father David Burgard will officiate the mass. The internment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hull Funeral Home of Walnut Creek, CA and Rupp Funeral Home of Monroe.