Maria Elizabeth Bracken was born on September 8, 1932 in Assmanshausen, Germany, a small village on the Rhein River, surrounded by vineyards growing grapes for the fine wines the country is famous for. Bob, Maria's husband-to-be, was a soldier in the U.S. Air Force, and met her at a small café/bar in Assmanshausen, where she was a waitress. Maria's aunt owned a Bed and Breakfast behind that café/bar, and when it was getting too late to drive away in his military issued Jeep, Mary invited Bob to say at her aunt's establishment. They spent the next 70 years together, in Arizona, Mississippi, Colorado, back to Arizona, to Germany, California, and finally back to Chandler, Arizona in 1968. They purchased a home and lived in that same home ever since.

Maria's heart beat in her body for the last time on Thursday, January 18, 2024. She was in the presence of family and her husband Bob. She had a great life doing what she felt best to do, and truly loved her family. Maria is survived by their two children, Barbara and Bill, seven grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, as well as great-great grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Maria will realize that her heart gave way to age in her body, but will continue to beat in their own bodies forever. We were all blessed to know her.