Maria Escalante de Smith

Maria Escalante de Smith

Cedar Rapids

Maria Escalante de Smith, 60, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center. Services: 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2025, at Saint Patrick Catholic Church by Rev. Dennis Miller. Burial: Saint Joseph Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the church.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Smith; mother, Maria Cortina; sister, Mercedes (Eduardo) Garcia; niece, Mercedes; nephews, Eduardo and Alberto; three great-nieces and nephews; and her dog, Oscar.

Maria was preceded in death by her father, Alberto Escalante.

Maria was born on February 4, 1965, daughter of Alberto Escalante and Maria Cortina, in Mexico City, Mexico. She graduated from the National Autonomous University of Mexico with a degree in dentistry and later from the Milton Erickson Institute of Mexico City with a Master’s degree in Ericksonian psychotherapy. She married Daniel Smith on October 2, 2007, in Mexico City. Maria worked as a translator for the Cedar Rapids school district. She was a member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church and was a cantor.

Maria loved to travel and visited many different countries to give presentations on hypnotherapy. She enjoyed singing and her favorite color was purple. Maria also loved children and dogs, especially her dog Oscar. Most of all, she loved spending time with her loved ones.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.