Miriam Soria

With a bright smile and a fiery personality, Miriam (Paz) Soria lived a life rooted in strength and determination. Never one to be told what to do, Miriam was free-spirited and worked tirelessly to build a good life for herself and her family. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Miriam will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, on August 21, 1941, Miriam was the second-youngest of five children. She attended the local one-room schoolhouse, where students of all ages learned together in a very structured and formal environment, wearing the same uniform and following strict expectations. For someone who longed to stand out, and walk to the beat of her own drum, this never quite felt right to Miriam. After completing high school in El Salvador, Miriam dreamed of something more and set her sights on moving to the United States to create a better life for herself. After the birth of her son, Carlos, Miriam made a difficult and courageous decision to leave him in the care of her mother, "Mama Chuz", in El Salvador, while she moved to California to begin building her future.

Though Miriam did not initially speak English, she taught herself by reading books, but had a penchant for celebrity gossip magazines and fully immersing herself in the language. She began working as a nanny for a local family. Miriam embraced many journeys, traveling across the United States and experiencing the beauty and diversity of the world around her.

In 1969, Miriam married Erwin Mixco-Pinto in a civil marriage. The marriage blessed Miriam with two more children: Erwin (Val), and Patricia. During that time, the children also spent time in El Salvador under the loving care of Mama Chuz alongside their brother, Carlos. Following her divorce from Erwin, Miriam continued to build her life in the United States.

A few years later, Miriam met Jose Soria. After a whirlwind courtship, they eloped to Reno, Nevada, in 1977. Together, they built a life centered on family, resilience and hard work. After their marriage, Jose and Miriam moved to Florida, where her children rejoined her, before eventually moving to California. Two years later, they welcomed their youngest child, Conny.

Miriam took great pride in her home, maintaining a beautifully kept and elegant space filled with fine furnishings, ceramics, and her beloved plants. As an avid shopper of fine things, she collected elephants and lions in honor of her zodiac sign, Leo, and had a deep appreciation for music. She was also a devoted bird lover and cared for finches for many years.

Jose worked in communications management at Pacific Bell Telephone Company in California. In 1986, after friends spoke highly of Michigan’s beauty, Jose convinced Miriam to make that move. Although a position with Michigan Bell did not come through, the family settled in Kentwood, Michigan, where they embraced the changing seasons and spent time outdoors fishing, camping and enjoying family barbecues.

In time, Jose opened Joe’s Shop, an electronics repair shop, and Miriam worked alongside him as the bookkeeper. On the weekends, the family enjoyed time in a small cabin north of Grand Rapids, creating lasting family memories.

Sadly, Jose died in 2008 after a battle with cancer. In 2010, due to various health concerns, Miriam transitioned to the care facility where she received the support she needed and formed meaningful relationships in her later years.

As we celebrate Miriam’s life, we find comfort in our treasured memories and the peace that comes with knowing she is no longer suffering. Miriam’s journey was one of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. In leaving everything familiar behind, she built a bridge for future generations, creating opportunities her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would one day walk across. Her strength and determination laid the foundation for the lives we are blessed to live today. In every moment we face life’s challenges with courage, cherish time with loved ones, create beauty in our homes, make new friends, enjoying a lovely day in Michigan, and embrace life fully, we carry her spirit forward.

Miriam E. Soria of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away after a lengthy illness with her loving family by her side. Miriam was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Soria, her mother, "Mama Chuz,” her sister, Gloria, and her nephews, Gustavo, Ricardo, and Roberto. She is survived by her siblings, Luisa, Amanda (“Manda”), and Rufino (“Mino”), her children: Carlos Paz, Val (Erin) Mixco, Patricia (Lamont) Marshall, and Conny (Don) Raaymakers, as well as her grandchildren: Colin, Mercedes, Marco, Monty, Carisa, Madelina, Taylor, McKenna, Aidyn, and Riley, and great-granddaughter, Sabrina.

Miriam’s family will meet with friends on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. A memorial service will start at 11 AM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Miriam’s honor can be directed to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and Strike Percussion Ensemble. To sign Miriam’s personal guest book, leave a message, or a photo, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com