Maria Elena Vasquez, age 78, passed away Thursday April 11, 2024, in her home in Portage. Maria was born July 19, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Ventura and Vita (Madeleno) Rodriguez. She retired as a presser who worked for several dry cleaners in the area including Coolwood Cleaners and Dresswell Cleaners.  Maria was a devoted member of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church and was a former member of the choir. She also loved gardening.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Leonel "Blackie" Vasquez of Portage; her four children, Gina (Edward) Leal, Leonel Vasquez, Jr., John (Sonda) Vasquez, and Michael Vasquez all of Portage; eleven grandchildren, Edward Joseph (Leslie) Leal, Anthony Adam (Leah) Leal, Andrew Lucas (Amanda) Leal, Ricardo (Victoria) Carlotta, L. Dominic (Nikki) Vasquez, Jessica (Ryan) Russell, John Michael (Karly) Vasquez, India (Zach) Davies, Joshua Vasquez, Michael Vasquez, Jr., and Giselle Vasquez; 23 great grandchildren; five brothers and sisters, Frances F. Kelly, Rachel Diaz, Richard (Rose Mary) Rodriguez, Lydia Rodriguez, and Linda Rico all of Chicago; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Angel Lopez; and one sister, Gloria Bagnuolo.

Visitation for Maria will be held at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368 from 2-8 pm on Tuesday April 16, 2024, with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin with 10:30 am prayers Wednesday April 17, 2024, at the Funeral Home and process to Nativity of Our Savior Church 2949 Willow Creek Road, Portage, Indiana with Rev. Kevin McCarthy celebrating Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Portage.