Maria Mersedes Soria, 77, of Santa Maria passed away on Aug. 25, 2025, following an unforeseen complication related to her cancer treatment. Over the course of several weeks, family and friends united to support her in her health journey.

Marie maintained a positive outlook, and confronted each challenge with strength, resilience and courage.

She led a full and happy life. Marie found joy in varies activities such as dancing, singing, gardening, storytelling, sharing her knowledge, and engaging in various crafts, including her well-loved crochet group.

Marie began her family life in Carpinteria before relocating to Santa Maria in 1990 with her husband Ruben Roman Soria. She was known by many as Marie, Mary and the LMC.

Marie was preceded in death by her father Jose Angel; mother Micaela; husband Ruben; daughter April; and granddaughter Antoinette.

Marie is survived by her son Ruben Anthony Soria (Marian); and daughter, Romanda (Arthur). Marie was blessed with seven grandchildren Ray Anthony Williams Jr., Alicia Marie Calderon, Monica Ann Wilson, Antoinette Adrina Lazcano, Tayanna Marie Escobar, Alyse Micaela Tyczczski, and Eric Jack Lucero. She also had 10 great grandchildren.

In accordance with Marie’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held, with a mass dedicated in her honor, in the near future.

A humongous “thank you” to all the compassionate nurses at the Cottage Hospital who worked on the Compton and ICU unit.