With great sadness and peace in our hearts our beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Maria Dolores Puentes has passed away peacefully on July 18, 2010 surrounded by her loving family, friends, and Sister Rosa. At the young age of 73, Maria Dolores left with the Virgin Mary to rest in peace after a brief illness.

She was born on Oct. 18, 1936 in a small village called Tenasco de Abajo in Northern Jalisco Mexico. The only daughter was the princess of the family. Her older brother, 20 years her senior, was already starting his family. She grew up with her nieces and nephews. At the age of 17 she married her husband, Victor Puentes, from a neighboring village in 1953. Her husband was always away working for the Bracero program in the US. She lived most of her life with her mother-in-law and parents while Victor was away working.

In 1969 the family moved to Somis, Calif. She worked briefly for Ojai Tapo packing house in Somis until her rheumatoid arthritis disabled her. Still she lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over 30 years and cared for her family. She learned how to read and write basic English but couldn't speak it; although she did very well communicating with her daughter-in-law Kellie and grandkids. She loved to cook every family members' favorite dish any time of day or night and had the greatest sense of humor. Family, friends and strangers all had a great time laughing in her household. Everyone was welcome.

She is survived by her loving husband, Victor Puentes, who stayed with her day and night; older brother, Abundio and family from Chicago, Silvina, Itos and numerous nieces and nephews. Her only daughter, Dolores, and four sons, Raul, Adrian, Victor and Johnny, along with daughters-in-law, Kellie, Carmen, Patricia and Jamie, will miss her very much. Her only son-in-law, Filiberto, will greatly miss her too, as will her 14 grandkids. She will live in hearts and memories forever.

Thank you to Sister Servants of Mary who helped Maria Dolores and our family spiritually until her last breath.

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., Friday, July 23 at Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, 1075 E. Daily Dr., Camarillo. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 24 at Saint Mary Magdalen Chapel, 2532 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. Interment will follow at Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery, Oxnard.