Don Rafael had moved from Guaymas, Mexico to Whittier, California in 1833, and the family became influential in the area.

Maria married John G. Downey in 1852, a wealthy Irish immigrant.

After John left office, he and Maria moved back to Los Angeles.

[1] Maria died on 29 January 1883, in the Tehachapi train wreck, which her husband escaped with broken ribs.

Her body was initially incorrectly shipped to San Francisco, being thought to be that of Mrs Cassell, while those sent to the undertaker in Los Angeles, were H. A.