Maria R. Guadalupe Lara, age 85, of Rochelle, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family after her courageous battle with cancer.

She was born October 21, 1940, the daughter of Ramon and Carmen (Ibarra) Rocha. Maria married Lino Lara on November 15, 1959, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Palacios, Texas. Together, they shared “a love story that spanned almost seven decades,” enjoying over 66 years of marriage, living a wonderful life and raising a beautiful family together.

Maria was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rochelle, where her faith was a guiding force in her life. She was the beloved matriarch of her family—strong, nurturing, and deeply devoted to those she loved. Maria found her greatest joy in time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Her heart was generous and kind to anyone—or any animal—in need. She was a cherished friend to many and a source of endless love. She welcomed everyone into her heart, forming genuine bonds that transcended the boundaries of ordinary friendship. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

She enjoyed visiting family, traveling with loved ones, and creating lasting memories. She had a passion for flowers and gardening, bird watching, and especially baking and cooking for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; seven siblings, Albert Rocha, Luis Rocha, Polo Rocha, Julia Martinez, Celestino Rocha, Gilbert Rocha, and Pete Rocha; and two grandchildren, Frieda Lara and Nathan Ortega.

She is survived by her loving husband, Lino Lara of Rochelle, Illinois; and her five children, San Juana Hueramo of Rochelle, Illinois, Joe (Shannon) Lara of DeKalb, Illinois, Robert (Renee) Lara of Kentucky, Mary (Clemente) Lazaro of DeKalb, Illinois, and Ray (Heather) Lara of Rochelle, Illinois.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Alex (Jenny), Christian (Bethany), Gabriel (Angelina), and Benjamin Hueramo, Richard Basquez, Mike Samra, Tony Pickreign, Ashley Lara, Cruz Lara, Rocky Lara, Ana Lazaro and Alyssa Lazaro, Adriana (Mason) Struthers, MacKenzie (Jeb) O’Rear, Kyler Lara, Noah Lara, and Abigail Lara; along with many great-grandchildren and extended family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rochelle.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle.

Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Rochelle.