Nov. 12, 1931 – Jan. 24, 2014

La Familia Oseguera de La Cañada regrets to announce the passing of Maria E. Frias. Maria was born in Montrose  on Nov. 12, 1931 and passed away Jan. 24 in El Sereno, Calif.

Maria was the fifth of 10 children born to the La Cañada pioneering family of Jesus and Braulia Oseguera. Three sisters and two brothers preceded her in death.

Maria went through the local school system in La Cañada and Pasadena. She worked at JPL from 1957 to 1974 as the head administrative assistant for 10 scientists.

Maria was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister and aunt. She was an accomplished baker whose specialty was pastries. Maria always had a never-ending big smile that always brightened up our lives. She was always willing to help when needed. She loved to dance and was a sought after glamorous model in the early 1950s. For many years she could be seen driving up and down Foothill Boulevard in her white two-door Rambler.

Maria was an extraordinary person who tackled adversity and life’s challenges courageously without giving up. She was well known and loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Maria is survived by her loving daughter Gloria Maria Frias; sisters Amparo Balbuena of La Cañada and Rosa Lopez of Montebello; brothers David Oseguera of Encinitas and Benjamin of La Cañada; and half-brother Salvador Oseguera of Calexico. She is survived locally by many nieces and nephews.

Services shall be conducted today, Thursday, Jan. 30 at Guerra-Gutierrez Mortuary in Los Angeles at 11 a.m.