Maria Serrano Gomez was born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico on May 18, 1943. She married Alfonso Serrano Gomez on December 9, 1961. In the 1970's, Maria and Alfonso moved to Gary, Indiana, where they lived with their children. Their love for one another was deep, inspiring, profound and a manuscript for movies. They created their own "The Notebook" and loved each other fully and unconditionally until death. Even in her last moments of life, Maria was lovingly concerned for her husband and continued to care for and worry about her Fonso, as she fondly called him. Until the end, Alfonso always called Maria his "Reina del Lugar", (Queen of the place) and showered her with kisses. He often created songs and sang them to Maria to comfort her through her pain during her last months of life. Maria was loving and compassionate and always concerned for others. She was often preparing food baskets and going grocery shopping for those in need.

Maria's hobbies included cooking. She was known for her Puerto Rican recipes, with "arroz con gandules" requested by so many. Maria lived for and cherished her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family, watching Novelas, and traveling. She loved cruises and was able to travel to Mexico, the Bahamas, St. Thomas, Orlando, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and the Grand Canyon.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Alfonso Serrano Gomez; sons, Jose Alberto Serrano Galarza, Alfonso Serrano, Jr.; daughters, Luz Maria (Guillermo) Oseguera, Lourdes Serrano, Rosita (Douglas) Severin; many grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and sisters, Angelina Agosto, Elena Galarza Flores, Luisa Galarza Flores, Zorida Galarza Flores, and Marina Galarza Flores.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Juan Galarza and Margarita Flores; her grandson, Dan B. Serrano Hopkins, Jr.; and many brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2447 Putnam St., Lake Station. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at the church. She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Park in Hobart. For more information, please call Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel at (219) 962-1606. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com