Obituary of Marianne Herrera Maestas

Marianne Herrera Maestas, 67, of West Columbia, SC, passed away December 22, 2014 at Lexington Medical Center. She was born on February 28, 1947 in Scotts Bluff, NE to the late Ysabel Herrera and Marianita (Suarez) Herrera. Marianne was a great American Mexican that was proud of her heritage, and even prouder to be an American. She was a second generation American that grew up in the heartland. At the early age of 8, she was cooking and cleaning for her large family of 20 daily. When she was able, she worked with her family, farming in the sugar beet fields. While in school, she fell in love and married Fermin Maestas, Jr. The epitome of a military wife, she reared his children while he fought in Vietnam, while serving in the Army, and followed him from base to base throughout the nation when he transitioned into the Air Force. As a family, they served faithfully for 24 years. Marianne loved Mexican music and her Spanish soap operas. She enjoyed watching wrestling and especially a good boxing match. Marianne would watch her Nebraska Cornhuskers and Dallas Cowboys whenever she could. She was also a trivia buff, and brilliant conversationalist. She was a no nonsense woman, who would tell you exactly like it was. Marianne was an amazing cook. Her freshly made tortillas, beans, hot jalapeno chile and enchiladas were legendary. Marianne most loved her family. She raised her three kids with high standards and disciplined them when they needed it. She loved and cared for them her entire life. She was meticulous in her house cleaning, and showed her love to her children daily. She was a devoted mother and wife that instilled in her children that family is the most important thing, no matter what. Marianne was an amazingly strong lady, and worthy of great respect. She was loved, and will be missed forever. Marianne is survived by her sons; Michael David Maestas (Teresa) of Ewa Beach, HI, Theodore Brian Maestas of West Columbia, SC, and a daughter; Stephanie M. Maestas of Manlius, NY. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Fermin Maestas, Jr. Funeral services will be at Thompsons Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 2 PM with Fr. Anthony Giunta officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park following the service. The family will receive friends at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Red Cross, 2025 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, or at www.redcross.org.