Maria G. Saltijeral OBITUARY

Maria G. Saltijeral OBITUARY

Maria G. “Mary” Saltijeral, 86, of Aurora, Illinois, peacefully entered eternal life on June 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on October 10, 1939, Mary lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She was the beloved wife of the late Miguel A. “Mike” Saltijeral, with whom she shared more than fifty years of marriage. Together they built a home where family, friends, neighbors, clergy, and anyone in need were always welcomed with love, a warm meal, and a place at the table.

Mary quietly dedicated her life to serving others. She helped countless Hispanic families navigate the path to American citizenship, served as the Spanish liaison for the Catholic churches on Aurora’s east side, became Aurora’s first Mexican American Queen, and helped organize one of the city’s first Hispanic parades. Her life’s work was never about recognition. It was about serving God by serving others.

She is survived by her children, Suzy (Eddie) Banuelos, Michael (Esther) Saltijeral, Sandi Saltijeral (Vince Galvan), David (Heidi) Saltijeral, Gabriel Saltijeral, and Hugo (Jessica) Saltijeral; 21 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; many extended family members; and countless friends whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Miguel A. “Mike” Saltijeral; her loving parents, Juan and Hortencia (Arevalo) Gonzalez; her cherished son, Robert Saltijeral; her beloved grandsons, Nico Contreras and Justin Saltijeral.

Mary often reminded her family, “In life, that’s all you have, your family.” Her family invites all who knew her to honor her memory by loving one another, serving others, and always making room for one more at the table.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Liturgical Wake Service at 4:00 PM at DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506. 630-631-5500

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 9:30 AM from DALEIDEN MORTUARY to St. Joseph Church at 10:00 AM; Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Maria’s family.

Arrangements entrusted to Daleiden Mortuary, Aurora, Illinois – providing funeral and cremation services to Aurora, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Oswego, Batavia, Yorkville and surrounding communities.