Maria was born in Cuba on October 7, 1938 to Armando Leon and Elena Perez. She married Rolando Peraza in Miami in 1971 and they moved to New York City shortly after where they lived for 3 years before moving back to Florida. She worked as a hair stylist at her beauty salon, named Stardust, for over 20 years. Maria loved music, dancing, and spending time with her loved ones.