Maria Theresa DeVera Ilarina passed away on September 13, 2023, with her family lovingly by her side.

Maria was born on March 28, 1970, in Manila, Philippines to Margarita Casas DeVera Ilarina and Apolonio Trompeta Ilarina. At age 7, Maria moved to Wichita Falls, Texas where she grew up. She is the eldest child of her family, with her younger siblings Alvin and Christine.

Maria attended Notre Dame High School in Wichita Falls and was actively involved in her high school theater and drill team. She graduated high school as Salutatorian and went on to Baylor University. She was a proud Baylor Bear, where she devoted herself to the Catholic ministries. She graduated with a Bachelors in Management Information Systems and moved to the Dallas area shortly afterwards to start her career in the financial services sector. She was a highly accomplished, career-driven woman whose priorities were always on her family.

In 2005, Maria married the love of her life Anthony Alfred Curran, Jr., her very own "St. Anthony," as Maria lovingly referred to him. They were married at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Coppell and had two sons, Lorenzo Antonio Curran, and Brendan Anthony Curran. Forever proud of her children, Maria instilled a love for the performing arts in them from an early age, making sure they had ample training in voice, music, acting, tap dancing and everything they needed to become talented performers. Watching the boys shining on the stage brought Maria immense joy and happiness.

Maria was a wonderful wife and devoted mother, a loyal friend, a second mom to her sister and all her friends' children, and an extraordinary chef, always serving her friends and family the most delicious, homemade meals. She never met a stranger and was welcoming to all those who crossed her path. She always made space at her table, with the understanding that there was always room for one more.

Maria had a servant's heart and filled her spare time serving many communities. She was a respected and dedicated volunteer at St. Ann's and Mary Immaculate, at all her children's schools throughout their education, and a huge asset to the Boy Scouts and North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) organizations. She strived to do her best and did everything with excellence.

She was a woman of great faith who inspired and encouraged those in need. Maria served as a Religious Education teacher at St. Ann's, Boy Scouts Den Leader, and NTPA volunteer and donor. Maria was a gifted connecter and brought together people from all aspects of her life, from her preschool friendships to church communities, coworkers, school, and theater communities. An exceptional communicator, especially through her writing and photography, Maria had the remarkable ability to capture life's images through all the activities she was part of, and she used this gift to continually maintain her relationships and share her happiness with her family and friends.

As a professional program manager, there was no project too big for Maria. She served Mary Immaculate School as both the Parent Teacher Club President and later as Auction Chair, where she raised over $100,000. She served in these various capacities not for recognition of herself, but to bring joy and happiness to others.

Maria was strong in spirit till the very end. She will be remembered for the love she shared with her friends and family. She loved unconditionally like Christ wants all of us to love, with no expectations in return. Her love and commitment were an inspiration to all those who knew and loved her. We will miss her greatly. The world has lost an angel, but we know heaven was waiting with open arms to receive her.