Maria C. Luna

Maria Castañeda Luna was born on December 8, 1938 in Zacatecas, Mexico. She was one of seven daughters born to Manuel and Herminia Castañeda.

At the age of 15 she met the love of her life, Jose Manuel Luna. They were later married and had four children: Jorge, Arturo, Leticia and Patricia. Jose arrived in Detroit in 1957 and Maria and their first son Jorge later joined him in 1958. They eventually raised their family in Detroit. Their desire to give their children a better life drove them to work hard and eventually open their own bakery. Maria worked side by side with her husband, making and baking bread such as bolillos, conchas, empanadas and

campechanas. She also made the most delicious tamales, Mexican candy and other items they could sell in the bakery. Her love for her family motivated her to work relentlessly. She would complete her household chores and then join her husband in the bakery. She tended to her children and her husband with all her heart and love. She and Jose always modeled an impeccable work ethic to their children. They ensured their children went to school, but also learn the bakery business. Their desire to teach their children that success came through hard work was constantly instilled in them.

As the children grew, they were able to help their parents after school and on the weekends in the bakery business. Eventually, they were able to help run the bakery so Maria and Jose could travel and begin to enjoy the fruits of their labor. One of their favorite places to visit was Las Vegas. Maria loved to travel and see the world. Her positive nature and love for life always allowed her to see the good in the people and places they traveled to.

Jose and Maria had a fondness for the southwest Detroit Mexicantown community. They were well known and respected for their kindness and generosity. Maria loved to represent their bakery and culture at the Mexican festivals by selling their homemade Mexican candies, bread and delicious foods.

On December 30, 2023 Maria joined our Heavenly Father. The family would like to thank everyone who joined them in the celebration of her life.

Beloved wife of the late Jose M. Luna. Loving mother of Jorge De Luna, Arturo (Rebeca) Luna, Leticia Luna, and Patricia (Miguel) Nuño. Cherished grandmother of Jose Tomas (Kayla) De Luna, Yeseńia Alicia (Zachary) Pobursky, Stephanie Amber Luna, Celia Alexandra (Christopher) Smilko, Monica Leticia Luna, Miguel Angel Nuño Jr., and Aaron Manuel Nuño. Proud great grandmother of Julian, Emelia, Bella, Amina, Angelo, Gianna, and Nico. Dear sister of Catalina Castaneda, Lidia Guel, Julia Rojas, Trinidad Guerrero, Maria De Los Angeles Luna and Josefina Vasquez. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and other loving family members.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jose and her parents, Herminia Luna and Manuel Castañeda.

Visitation will take place Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 1:00 until 8:00 pm at The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes- Allen Park Chapel, a rosary will begin at 4:00 pm. Friday, January 5, 2024 Maria will lie in state at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church from 9:30 until the mass begins at 10:00 am. Burial at St. Hedwig Cemetery will take place immediately following.