Maria Bracero-Esteves

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Maria "Luly" Bracero-Esteves, a cherished mother, Abuela, daughter, sister, wife, and friend. She left us far too soon on April 13, 2025 after a courageous battle with illness. Though her time with us was cut short, the love she gave and the joy she brought will live on forever in our hearts.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL-165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama 36856. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Maria was a true force of nature whose spirit, warmth, and fierce love shaped every life she touched. Maria embodied strength, resilience, and boundless compassion. She poured her soul into her family, always showing up with open arms and she was the heart of every gathering, the laughter at every table, and the steady hand that held us all together. Whether she was dancing in the kitchen, sharing stories from "back in the day," or spoiling her grandchildren with love and treats, she lived her life with joy. Her loyalty was unwavering and her love unconditional.

Maria leaves behind a legacy of love, family and friendship. She is survived by her daughters Keyla Cabret-Lewis (husband: Timothy Lewis), Nadila Quiñones, and Mairee Elliott (husband: Leighton Elliott). Maria was blessed with fourteen grandchildren: Adison, Alexander, Keagon, Amir, Elisha, Ivory, Arya, Oakley, Quinn, Trevor, Johan, Oliver, Elliana, and Samantha; her siblings: Aida Laracuente, Nattacha Jimenez (husband: Jose Jimenez), Maria Bialoncik (husband: Brian Bialoncik), Fernando Esteves Jr (wife: Cathy Esteves), David Esteves (wife: Rebecca Esteves), Pedro Sanjurjo Salgado, Justin Esteves, many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins as well as countless friends who became family. She joins in peace those who went before her including her mother Aida Salgado, her father Fernando Esteves Sr., her husband, Jesus Bracero Vega and former husband Adalberto Quiñones Clemente.

We grieve deeply but take comfort in the love that she showed us every day and the memories she gave us.