Maria Rosalinda Lara

Maria ( Rosa) Lara passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Benavides, her parents, Carolina ( Flores) and Pedro Lara, her brothers, Pedro Lara Jr. and José Jesús Lara. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Erlinda (Teodoro) Garcia, her grandchildren Lourdes (Vlado) Lara-Filipovic, Esmy ( Jimmy) Garcia, Linda Garcia, and Lolo Garcia. She is also survived by her siblings, Concepción Gutierrez, Vidal (Linda) Lara, and Lidia Lara, her ten great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Maria was a proud Texan, but she grew to deeply love the life she built in Milwaukee and the community she called home for so many years, always grateful for the opportunities the city provided her and her family. After many years of dedicated service, Maria retired from the City of Milwaukee, where she worked as a receptionist at City Hall, supporting Milwaukee’s aldermen and alderwomen. Guided by her deep Catholic faith, Maria dedicated herself to serving both her church and community for many years.

Her home on Third Street was the heart of the family, welcoming and supporting five generations. Rarely seen without her camcorder at family gatherings,she lovingly captured the moments that brought her family together and made the house feel like a home to all. She was unapologetically honest and never one to sugarcoat her thoughts, a trait that kept us smiling, laughing, and occasionally on our toes. Family meant everything to her, and she adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, playing an integral role in raising them. As the beloved matriarch of her family, she leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience and unwavering love that will live on for generations to come.

A visitation will take place on Monday June 22, 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin followed by a Mass at 11AM, with burial at St Adalbert Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.