Maria Luisa Salas, also known as "Mary" or "Maria," passed away on July 28, 2025. She was 44 years old.

Maria was born in El Paso, Texas, on August 14, 1980, to Miguel Salas and Alma Elizondo (formerly Salas), where she spent her childhood. She was loving, nurturing, and had a different sense of humor that some loved—and others, not so much.

She was the mother of Richard Govea Jr. and Jesús Miguel Govea. They were raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She raised her sons with love and devotion, taught them good morals, showed kindness, and helped others in need. Her great love, coupled with strong determination, enabled her to be a great mom, keep her home tidy, work as a waitress, and go to school to become a registered nurse—all at the same time.

Her loving and nurturing personality made her a strong, compassionate, and empathetic nurse. She was known for and took great pride in her work. She called her co-workers her "family." They visited, provided care for her, and supported her family during this time.

She is survived by her sister Amanda Rocio Gutierrez, brother-in-law Julius Anthony Gutierrez Sr., niece Selena Victoria, and nephew Julius Anthony Jr., aka "Jr." Her other sister is Jasmin Valeria Del Valle, brother-in-law Zailyd Del Valle, and nephew Zailin Amorezio.

Her closest cousins Erika Elizondo, her children Gena, Rene, Sergio, and Maya, and Miguel Angel Elizondo, his children Natalia, Nevaeh, Miguel Angel Jr., and Noelle. Maria had many uncles, cousins, aunts, and their children.

Maria was preceded in death by her grandmothers Natalia Elizondo Ponce and Maria Luisa Reyes Salas.

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Direct Funeral Services in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Her family wishes to thank everyone who visited for support, as well as the nurses and doctors at Presbyterian Downtown Hospital.