Maria Gloria Benitez, 67, Fort Atkinson, passed away surrounded by her family at the Rainbow Hospice Center in Johnson Creek, WI.

Maria was born in Hildgo, Texas on October 11, 1955, to Fidencio and Maria Ester (Casarez) Beltran.  She graduated from San Jsidro High School.  On April 19, 1997, Maria married Angelio Benitez in Minnesota.  Maria worked, teaching ESL at Purdy Elementary in Fort Atkinson and at Jefferson High School.  She enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Angelio, Fort Atkinson; children Pam (Juan Aguilar) Garza, and Jose Garza, both of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren Ivan and Diego Gonzalez, Vincente and Mia Aguilar.  She was preceded in death by her parents and son Isaac Beltran.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater.  The day and time will be announced.  Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.