Here is a brief biography of Maria's short, yet full life.
The oldest of four, she and her sister and brothers all grew up in San Francisco on Fair Oaks—a street known for its Victorian homes, near Noe Valley.
Elementary school for Maria was just up the block at Saint James. High school was next door at Immaculate Conception Academy —popularly known as “ICA”. After high school, Maria spent time traveling through Europe with friends before beginning her working career which, included a stint at the Port of San Francisco as an executive secretary, and later a job as an administrative aide to Mayor Diane Feinstein until 1980.
She then moved to Chicago where she worked as an admissions clerk in the nursing program at Rush Medical Center while completing a degree in business from DePaul University. Maria met Kurt Mitchler, in 1982. Shortly thereafter, Kurt and Maria moved back to California, living in San Francisco for a stretch while Maria worked as a bank examiner for the Office of Thrift Supervision during the S&L crisis and Kurt practiced dentistry around the bay area before moving to the north bay—first to San Rafael, and eventually to Windsor. They established Kurt’s dental practice in Healdsburg and Maria managed the office. With the birth of her twin sons Garrick and Trevor, in 1989, Maria began the work she enjoyed the most—raising her boys. Maria enjoyed travel and returned to Europe a number of times, including several trips to Spain. She and Kurt also enjoyed travel in Asia, as well various parts of the United States, particularly along coasts in search of lighthouses.
Maria's final resting place is at the base of Pt. Bonita lighthouse. Take the time to visit this special spot at the gateway to Maria's San Francisco.