Maria Barajas Knebel

Maria was born on December 11, 1947, in Silver City, New Mexico. She graduated from Cobre High School in 1965 and soon after moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her career at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Not long after, she transferred to the Phoenix office, where she trained as a paralegal specialist in forfeiture.

In Phoenix, Maria met her husband, William, and together they raised their family on Palm Lane in downtown Phoenix. Their home quickly became a gathering place for neighbors, family, and friends—always filled with delicious home-cooked meals and lively conversation.

Maria was deeply devoted to her daughters. She volunteered often at their schools and at their family parish, St. Mary’s Basilica. After 30 years of service, she retired from the FBI in 2008. She went on to found the Phoenix chapter of The Society of Former Women of the FBI (later renamed The Society of FBI Alumni) and chaired the group for many years.

A gifted seamstress and quilter, Maria never met a craft she couldn’t master—from crocheting to card making. After retirement, she continued her passion for service by volunteering with the Questers, researching and preserving Arizona history. She also remained active as chair of the Phoenix FBI Alumni group.

Maria found joy in walking her beloved dog, Oscar, around the neighborhood and catching up with neighbors on her block. She treasured her time traveling to visit her daughters and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Knebel, and her mother, Carmen G. Barajas.

Maria is survived by her daughters, Carmen Marci Buchanan and Micaela “Kayla” Knebel; and her four grandchildren: Emilia Buchanan, William Buchanan, Luna Marie Punsal, and Arsenio Joseph Punsal.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. Please RSVP is you are planning to attend:

https://www.marie2025.com/

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Project Linus

Arizona Humane Society