Maria is a witch and based off her vessel we know clear as day who she worships and still very much does...Santa Muerte. Maria was born into a family of shamans. Some even faced death for the ones who feared them and needed them gone. Maria never told anyone who her family was or about ancestors. Maria was married and taking her family of 6 and appeared like any other normal citizen. During the night she traveled in great distance to meet up with her other brujas where they would all disguise themselves so they could work. There was nothing this group didn't take on. If you needed a shaman to cure your broken heart, they did so. If you need to rid your abusive husband they did it. Need amulets or potions for wrath Maria had no issues doing so. The list doesn't end. She helped some of the most powerful people in her country and they had no idea at one time her family was hunted down. One thing with Maria is she would put hexes and curses in those who did her family wrong in the past or their loved ones. She was one not to be messed with and even others she worked with knew this. Not many people crossed her. Maria was all about protecting her family and raising them right while hiding the true her and it worked. Her passing was natural.