Maria Santos Ocampo Marquez

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Santos Ocampo Marquez. Maria was 56 years old and passed away at her home in Manson, WA. on the evening of June 29th. She is survived by her two sons, Ricardo Chavez and Oscar Ocampo, her daughter in-law Kelsey Chavez, and her granddaughter Penelope Chavez. 

Maria was born in Puente de Ixtla, Estado de Morelos, Mexico in 1961 and her parents were Sofia Marquez-Hernandez and Julio Ocampo Martinez.  Maria lived in this small town of Mexico alongside her 9 brothers and sisters and parents until the age of 21.  It was at this time that Maria decided to make the ultimate sacrifice for her family. She packed up her belongings and moved all by herself to the United States in hopes of providing a better life for her family back in Mexico as well as her future children.  

Maria spent the first couple years in the United States in Medford Oregon. It was here that she became pregnant and gave birth to her first son, Ricardo.  While in Oregon, she had learned of a small town in Washington called Manson that was not only a place for great employment opportunities but also a beautiful place to raise her new son.

With the promise of warm weather, water, and job prospects, Maria packed up her and her son and moved to Manson. The town did not disappoint. Maria spent the rest of her life here.  It was here that she met the love of her life, Jose Luis Leyva, and became pregnant with another son, Oscar Ocampo.  She raised her family in downtown Manson surrounded by numerous friends. She was not only a phenomenal mother and friend, but also employee. She spent her days working harder than most as a full-time housekeeper as well as working in the local packing sheds.

If Maria was not working, you were sure to find her in her kitchen preparing meals for all those around her. Her true passion lied in cooking and it is something that she truly prided herself in. She was so prideful in-fact that turning down a dish of her food was an insult. If you hadn’t eaten thirds, you had not eaten enough.  Her heart was so kind and warm that she simply exuded happiness. All of those who knew her would agree that there was no one more generous and concerned for other’s wellbeing than Maria.

Another great passion of hers was her family. She worked as hard as she did to ensure the comfort and safety of her children. You can imagine her joy when she saw her boys graduate from high school and attend college, neither of which privileges that she had. 

In addition to the love she held for her sons, the love she had for her granddaughter Penelope was just as great. She spent numerous hours a week with Penelope helping her to grow and enjoy life. Both were sure to have a smile on their face whenever in each other’s presence. Time was spent laughing, staying up too late, learning to walk, swimming, and of course, eating. We know in our hearts that Maria will forever be watching over and loving her granddaughter (the girl that she had always dreamed of having). 

We would like to invite all that loved her to her funeral service. The service will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 1:00 p.m. at Rio Vista Wines. Following the service, a light lunch will be served as well as time for those to gather and share precious memories of Maria.  Rio Vista Wines: 24415 Hwy. 97 Chelan, WA. 98816; please look for balloons along the highway for guidance. 

Maria, you are greatly missed by your family but your memory will ring true in our hearts forever. 

Please leave your thoughts and memories for the family at www.prechtrose.com.  Services are under the direction of Precht Rose Chapel of Chelan.