Maria Onheiber, 90, passed away surrounded by her family in Golden Valley, Minnesota on December 8, 2023. Born in greater Mexico City on June 27, 1933, Maria de Los Angeles Diaz Rueda met Sam Onheiber, a former U.S. State Department representative serving the Latin American Region, on an Acapulco beach while Sam was vacationing. His creative attempts to get to know Maria better, evolved into a marriage proposition, its acceptance, and their wedding, with Maria moving to Sam’s hometown in Madison, Wisconsin in January of 1961.
Later in life, the two relocated to Siesta Key, Florida where they cherished their sunset view, the ocean and its white, soft sand. Their love affair lasted nearly 60 years until Sam’s death in 2019. Maria charted her life path with sacrifice and commitment, uprooting from her family and native country to create a new life with Sam, while imbuing her culture within those whom she held dear, and the environment around her. Together, they raised two beloved daughters and delighted in the births of their grandchildren and the active role they played in their lives. Maria’s heritage and orientation runs deeply through each of them.
Maria was a bright light who warmed the hearts of most everyone she met. A passionate lover of music and entertaining, she will be remembered for her colorful humor, compassionate ear, warmth, wisdom, love of beauty, loyalty of friendship, immense welcoming heart, faith and strength of her conviction – (shared openly, frequently, whether welcomed or not). The epic and extraordinary meals she prepared and provided for the people she loved over many decades will be a lasting memory. Affectionately known as Bubbie to many, Maria led a rich and exuberant life. Maria is survived by her daughter, Linda Stone (Jon) of Minnetonka, Minnesota and Marissa Onheiber of Golden Valley, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Dahlia Stone (Chelsea), Isaac Stone, Amira Stone, Sofia Seewald and Julianna Seewald; her loving nieces, nephews and their children. Maria’s final days were spent with her family and loving caregivers. Funeral service was 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 11 at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound St., Madison, Wis.
Also live-streamed at: www.hodroffs.com/MariaOnheiber Memorials preferred to the Herman Goldstein Fund through Beth Israel Center. SHIVA services: 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday in Minnesota.
