Maria is considered almost as one of the family. She and her own family have close connections with Bruno's family going back many years. Her mother worked as a dressmaker for Bruno's grandmother, who was a performer, and traveled with her all over Germany. After she retired, Bruno's grandmother gives Maria's mother a modest pension to live on. Sadly, Bruno's grandmother becomes ill and eventually passes away. Bruno's father Ralf is a great help to Maria during this difficult time, providing her with financial support and bringing her to work in his house as a maid. Ralf's kind, selfless behavior shows another side to him, providing a stark contrast to his murderous actions as commandant of Auschwitz. It also explains why Maria, though opposed to what the Nazis are doing, won't hear Bruno say a bad word against his father. She's still incredibly grateful for everything he's done for her.

Maria's mother knew Bruno's father when his father was a young boy. Maria's mother worked for Bruno's grandmother as a dresser when she toured Germany. We do not know her title--whether she was a famous singer or performer, or the like. Maria's mother arranged all the clothes for her concerts – washed them, ironed them, repaired them. After Bruno's grandmother retired, Maria's mother received a small pension, but times were hard. 

Maria's mother became sick, and required medical care that Bruno's father took care of because Maria's mother and Bruno's grandmother remained friends. When she died, he also took care of her funeral expenses. He paid for those expenses from his own pocket. Bruno's father then took Maria in as a maid to help her. 

Maria tells Bruno,"your father took me in and helped me when I needed him. He gave me a job, a home. Food. You can’t imagine what it’s like to need food. You’ve never been hungry, have you?’"