Maria G. Livengood

Maria Guadalupe (Gallo) Livengood, lovingly known as Ma, Madre, Mamacita, Abuelita, Abee, Lupe, Lupita, Little Grandma & Tia Chory passed from this life to the next on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 8:46am. Maria was born in Juanacatlán, Jalisco, Mexico on June 16, 1931, and lived a life filled with care and love for her family.

Maria was the last of her generation and was preceded in death by her parents Felix Gallo and Maria Aceves Gallo, her siblings, Ramon, Jose Luis & Juan, Sarah, and her daughter Elisabeth Marie.

Maria is survived by the Gallo family. Her son, Carlos Gallo (Lola), and her grandchildren: Carlos Gallo Jr, Damien Gallo (RustiAnne), Illyana Leandra Wurmser (Brad), Juancarlos Gallo (Kathryn), Traityn Gallo, and her great grandchildren: Kameryn, Jordyn, Evelyn, and Emma. 

Maria is also survived by the Gentry family. Her daughter, Sandra Gentry (James) and her grandchildren: James Gentry (Jazmyn), Jacob Gentry (Caroline) and Rachel Gerberich (preceded in death by David) and her great grandchild, Penelope.
 

Maria is survived by the Livengood family. Her son, William Livengood (Angelina) and her grandchildren: Alina Nodal (Sam), Cherelle Livengood, William Livengood (Monica), Leanna Livengood (Randy Harris), and her great grandchildren: Saidez, Audrey, Samantha, Barrett, Draven, Chloe, Zavrina, Anselmo, and Priscilla.

Maria married her late husband, Frank Livengood after moving to the United States in 1962. With a second grade education, Maria taught herself English, and worked as a nanny and a housekeeper to provide for her family.  Maria became a proud citizen of the United States on September 20, 1996 after studying for years. She lived most of her life in Prescott, Arizona, but also considered New Jersey her home.

In 1983, Maria saved enough money to open Gallo’s Mexican Food restaurant where she was known for her menudo, tamales and chile rellenos.  However, her love of cooking did not stop at her restaurant. She would always be found teaching her granddaughters how to make her recipes. Everyone loved her homemade tortillas, rice, green chile burritos, chilaquiles, and more.  When asked, family members collectively agree that feeding her family was her greatest way of showing her love. She would spend her days caring for her home and cooking for anyone who walked through the door. Many would joke that if she asked if you’ve eaten that day and you said “no,” she’d feed you, if you said “yes,” she’d feed you too, but if you didn’t accept her food, she would never let you forget it.

Her children describe her as family-oriented, feisty and passionate. As a proud great grandma, Maria was generous with her gifts and time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Maria was able to compliment you and admonish you in the same breath and would never shy away from her honest and unfiltered opinion and advice. Even without trying, Maria had a way of making you laugh and making you feel special. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Funeral service will be private as per the family's wishes. Anyone interested in attending may contact them directly. In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated towards Maria Livengood's Memorial Expenses.  Please Venmo to @Sandee-Gentry or make checks payable to Sandra Gentry.

To view the service for Maria please copy and paste the link below into your internet browser. 

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9184687869

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