Maria de la luz Kirkman

Maria de la Luz Kirkman, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 23, 2025 at Presbyterian hospital in Plano surrounded by the love of her family and faith community.  Maria was born on September 24, 1965, in Van Horn, TX to Simon and Rafaela Sanchez.  A woman of deep compassion, boundless energy, and unwavering faith, Maria touched countless lives through her kindness, generosity, and devotion to others.

Maria earned her degree in Business Administration from Amberton University and built a distinguished career at Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she served as Senior Director.  Known for her leadership and dedication to her team, Maria was admired by colleagues for always seeing the best in people and inspiring them to grow.

Faith was the foundation of Maria's life.  A devoted member of her parish, she poured her time and talents into countless ministries.  She served as head of the pastoral council, a Eucharistic minister, lector, usher, and a coordinator for CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) retreats - roles she embraced not for recognition but out of a genuine desire to help others encounter God's love.  Fluent in Spanish and English, she often volunteered as a translator and guided children preparing for their First Communion for over twenty years.

Family was everything to Maria.  She and her husband, Gary, shared 35 wonderful years of marriage, filled with laughter, banter, and unconditional love.  Maria was an incredibly loving mother who enjoyed early morning coffee with her daughter and after dinner sweet treats with her son.  She cherished her sisters deeply, filling their time together with endless laughter, crafting projects, and late-night conversations.  Maria loved doting on her nieces, nephews, and cousins as well.

Maria's adventurous spirit was contagious -whether skydiving or traveling abroad, she delighted in new experiences and finding beauty in every corner of the world.  She lived every moment with purpose, uplifting others, and reminding those around her to embrace life fully and selflessly.  Her warmth and light will continue to guide all who were blessed to know her.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents Simon and Rafaela Sanchez and sister Teresa Sanchez.  She is survived by her husband Gary Kirkman, children Elyssa Bradley and Daniel Kirkman, and her sister Linda Whiting, Kathy Fuentes, Barbara Calixto and Nancy Sanchez.

She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.