Maria Elena Salmeron Arcos, age 82, of Elgin, IL, passed away on February 22, 2025. She was born November 7, 1942 in Almolonga, Guerrero, Mexico to her loving parents, Marcos Salmeron and Gildarda Arcos.

Maria had a strong work ethic. She started working from a very early age, and continued until she was physically unable to.

Maria’s husband, Justino, first saw her when he was dropping off a love letter on behalf of a friend to Maria’s sister. He caught of glimpse of Maria when she stepped outside, and it was love at first sight! They were married 63 years.

Maria was caring, affectionate, and patient. She always put everyone first, and made sure they were taken care of. She was also spontaneous, inspiring, fun, and funny, and would light up the room just by being herself. Whenever there was a party, she was always the first person dancing freely, not caring what anyone else thought. She was always smiling and having a good time.

Maria enjoyed knitting, listening to music, being outdoors, and gardening, especially roses.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Justino; children, Blanca, Carlos (Esther), Mario (Martha), Gilda (Jose Luis), and Justino (Rosalinda); siblings, Rogelio, Maria de Lourdes, and Jorge; grandchildren, Alexis, Mario, Carlos, Luis, Martha, Jennifer, Angel, Karen, Heidi, Casey, and Emmanuel; and great-grandchildren, Angel, Joanna, Jonathan, Dominic, Alessandra, Mia, Noah, Noemi, Valeria, Malani, and Leilani.

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Thursday, February 27, 2025, and 11:00am to 12:00pm, Friday, February 28. 2025 at at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

To access the Thursday evening visitation remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on via Zoom (Meeting ID: 884 2783 9634, Password: 502568).

Mass will be at 12:30pm, Friday, February 28, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 270 Division Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Fr. Juan Gabriel James will be officiating.

Interment to follow at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL 60120.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.