Maria Borchmann

Maria de la Paz Borchmann passed away peacefully on January 2, 2023 at Fillmore Country Club, surrounded in love.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico on January 24, 1935, Maria was the youngest of six daughters born to Pedro and Justina Hurtado of Mascota, Mexico. She attended Margarita Jivalin de Villard School in Guadalajara.

When she was 10, her mother sent her to stay with an Aunt and Uncle for a summer in Mascota. Having been raised in the city, seeing the countryside made an impression on her. She would fondly recall her summer visit when she worked small jobs, milked the cows, and spent hours playing with the chickens. She enjoyed a very happy childhood.

In early 60's, Maria would immigrate to the United States. Living in Los Angeles with her sister, she worked as a typist at J.C. Penney. She met and married her husband, August Kenneth Borchmann in April, 1962. They lived in Salt Lake City, UT for a short time before returning to California where they would welcome their first daughter, Karen in January, 1963 followed by a son, Kenneth in December, 1963 and daughter, Laura in May, 1965. They settled in Anaheim, where she would call home for the next 50 years.

She obtained her nursing assistant certificate and worked hard to create a loving home. She was creative and enjoyed sewing clothing for her children, knitting and crocheting, as well as upholstering and refinishing furniture. She enjoyed her garden and was especially proud of her roses.

Maria was active in her church throughout her lifetime. She was devoted to the Blessed Mary and regularly recited her rosary. She loved her Silky Terriers, taking walks around the block, visiting her neighborhood friends, and listening to her audiobooks. She was a gifted cook and taught her children and grandchildren how to make her Mexican rice as well as other traditional dishes.

She was happiest when surrounded by family: her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gatherings when all her "chickens" were back at home were her favorite times.

Her last years were difficult ones, having lost her son in 2016 and suffering serious health challenges. Despite this, her eyes would light up when family and friends visited or talked with her. Her last words were 'I love you', which were words she regularly said and deeply felt for all her dear ones.

A memorial service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, in Fillmore, CA at 10 a.m. on February 15, 2023.

Maria is survived by her daughters Karen (Scott) Skiles and Laura (Carl) Herrigstad; her grandchildren Joshua (Emily) Williamson, Sean Francis, Sheryl (Matthew) Thomas, and Kristi (Anthony) Lampe; and great-grandchildren Lilia, Kateri, Julianna, Christopher and Magnus.

The family wishes to thank her network of caregivers, especially the Angels of God Hospice and Fillmore Country Club caregivers.