Maria Esther Cabrera

Maria Esther “Coca” Cabrera

Age 57 of Joliet, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at Amita Health Saint Joseph Medical Center.

Born April 23, 1963 in Mexico City, Maria Esther was a longtime resident of Joliet and graduated from Joliet Central High School. First and foremost, she was a dedicated and loving mother. Her happiest moments in life were spent with her family, for holidays, birthdays, and was always up for going out on the town or a fun night in. She loved going on adventures, listening to music, dancing, and watching musicals. She also enjoyed dining out and eating her favorite ice cream. She was a loyal White Sox and Chicago Blackhawks fan. She loved to laugh and brought joy to others by telling jokes, funny stories and playing practical jokes. Her laugh was contagious and her smile brightened up a room. 

Maria Esther was a fighter and a Cancer survivor. She was very strong. Through all the procedures, she never complained, ever. Even during the most difficult times, she never lost her faith in God. She was thankful for all who supported her and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She participated in the Relay for Life yearly events in Joliet and led a team of family and friends in the walks.

Maria Esther was spirited and feisty to the end, yet calm and loving.  She had a big heart and found pleasure in the simple things in life. While her family was not ready to let her go, God called her home. Heaven gained a new beautiful angel. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children: son, Jaime Alejandro Cabrera and daughter, Arcelia Cabrera.

Her siblings: Maria Elena (Alan) Watson, Miguel (Maria Eugenia) Cabrera, Guadalupe Diaz, Lourdes (Jose) Zuniga, Araceli Cabrera. Nieces and Nephews: Sonia Watson, Emmanuel Cabrera, Vanessa Zuniga, Eric Cabrera, Carlos Zuniga, Jose Zuniga. Grand Nieces and Nephews: Lilianna Casillas, Jacqueline Casillas, Julian Casillas, Noah Casillas. And her beloved dog named Shadow. 

She is preceded in death by her parents: Rigoberto and Arcelia Cabrera.

Funeral from the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel for Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m.   Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park.  Family will receive relatives and friends for a brief visitation Friday, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.