Maria Teresa Salas Brenes

ROCKY MOUNT – Maria Teresa Salas Brenes, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Born in Costa Rica on July 22, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Jose Joaquin Salas Ovares and Maria Josefina Brenes. She was also preceded in death by one sister, and ten brothers.

Maria was a true fighter, a woman of extraordinary strength, resilience, and love. She carried with her a deep sense of determination, warmth, and devotion to family that defined her life and touched everyone who knew her.

Throughout her life, Maria faced challenges that would have overwhelmed many. She survived more than 40 surgeries, battled and overcame cancer, and even defeated COVID. When doctors told her she would never walk again, Maria proved them wrong—through sheer will and perseverance, she walked again, embodying her unbreakable spirit and refusal to give up.

Maria was a hard worker to her core. She dedicated many years of her life as a Personal Care Aide, caring for others with compassion, dignity, and patience. Her work was not just a job, but a calling, and she continued serving others well into her 70s—a testament to her strength, work ethic, and selflessness.

Above all else, Maria was deeply family-oriented. She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally, and she instilled those same values of loyalty, unity, and love in them. Her home and heart were always open, and her presence was a source of comfort, guidance, and strength.

Maria’s life was one of courage, perseverance, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and devotion that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit, lessons, and love will live on forever in the hearts of her family and all whose lives she touched.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Maria is survived by her daughters, Giselle Victoria Trujillo Salas (Edwin Hernandez), Maureen Sandi Salas Serrano (Waldemar Serrano); son, Henry Manuel Trujillo Salas (Gilda Rodriguez); grandchildren, Elena Victoria Hernandez, Isable Balbina Hernandez Trujillo, Katherine Trujillo, Karina Trujillo, Abigail Trujillo. Sarah Trujillo, Steven Malaspina, Samantha Josephine Serrano; great grandchildren, Johan Romero, Roberto Romero, Carlos Solano, Andres Solano, Monserrath Benavidez, Chantall Benavidez, Matthew Benavidez, Katrina Rosario, Jeffrey Rosario, Genesis Rosario, Samuel Rosanio, and Ceilia Malaspina.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3224 Woodlawn Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.