Maria R. Nunez, age 84, of East Chicago, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025. She is survived by her sister: Eloisa (Carlos) Alvarado. Nieces: Melinda (Joseph) Quasney, Norma (Dan) Mitchell, Diana Alvarado (Rick Alonzo). Nephews: Carlos F. Alvarado and Christopher (Josephine) Mares, Larry Mares, and several other nieces and nephews, and dearest friend, Blanca Smith, who's truly been a sister at heart since childhood.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents: Jose and Margarita Mares. 3 brothers: Liborio Mares, Geronimo (Maria) Mares, Eustaquio "Caco" (Concepcion) Mares; sister: Eulalia (Jose "Pepe") Salcedo and by her nephews David Mares and Marco Mares.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at White Funeral with Father Jeffrey Burton officiating. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 10:00-12:00 (noon)p.m. at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. Glen Park Avenue (45h Ave.) in Griffith.

Maria was a member of Holy Trinity Croatian Catholic Church in East Chicago. She enjoyed listening to Tejano music and going to the casino.

A special thank you to Toni Wilkins, Ruby Guillen, and Nancy Torres.

For more information, please contact White Funeral Home at (219)924-4100.