Maria Julia Alas of Chesterfield, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born on July 15, 1941, in San Salvador, El Salvador, to Francisco and Graciela Garay, and was the eldest of five siblings. Throughout her life, she carried this role with strength, care, and deep devotion to her family. Maria Julia dedicated the greater part of her life to her family, loving her children fiercely and caring deeply for many nieces and nephews. She devoted herself to her grandchildren with unwavering love, patience, devotion, and sacrifice. She was a constant and nurturing presence who was protective, attentive, and deeply involved in their lives. Through her guidance and affection, she shaped generations. To many, she was not only a grandmother, but a second mother. She was known for her joyful, lively, and expressive personality. Maria Julia was animated, warm, and unapologetically spirited, filling every room with laughter and energy. She loved to dance, celebrate loudly, and stay closely connected to the lives of her family, always watching over them with care. A devoted Catholic, her faith was central to her life and guided the way she loved, served, and endured. She found strength in her faith and lived it through kindness, devotion, and care for others. She was also an exceptional cook and is fondly remembered for her pupusas and her beloved chilaquiles, dishes that became cherished family traditions and expressions of her love. She was married to her beloved husband, Rafael (Lito) Alas, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Rafael Antonio Alas, and by her brother, Roberto Garay. She now rests in eternal peace, reunited with them and comforted by her faith in God's promise of everlasting life. She is survived by her children, Jensie Flores (Francisco), Claudia Garay, and Cesar Alas (Maria); her grandchildren, Tatiana Velasquez, Mario Velasquez, Monica Iraheta, Keyrie Alas, Cristina Sanchez, Yesenia Alas, Mia Alas, Matthew Alas, and Karen Alas; her great-grandchildren Daniela Velasquez and Elianna Zheng; and her sisters, Gloria Herrera, Ana Cordova, and Ines Cordova. Her legacy lives on through her faith, her love for family, and the traditions and values she passed down. Visitation will be held at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 13441 Patrick Henry Hwy, Amelia Court House, VA 23002, on Friday, February 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Good Samaritan Catholic Church on Saturday, February 14, at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at Mattoax Cemetery, 12301 Genito Rd., Amelia, VA 23002. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the MCV Foundation, 1021 East Cary St., Suite 1100, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Please include "In memory of Maria Alas - Pauley Heart Center" in the memo line.