I remember Maria just about every day of my life! This is because I can never forget her statement that she allows herself no more than 18 seconds (or 18 minutes-? Same idea) at any point in time
 of indulging in self pity. Whenever I am tempted to indulge in feeling down 
I think of her and how strong and positive she was through all her health challenges. She was a rainbow in herself 🌈

Neny, you are always in our hearts. We miss you more than words can say. ❤️

I know Maria thru her wonderful Dad.  Dr.Oscar Papazian.  We worked together and have remained friends for over 30 years.  I was able to see her inner beauty and passion for life nature and her little animals friends.  Sometimes I had to perform diagnostic studies on her.  She was always willing to look for brightness even in the worst of times , when her health failed her at times.   All I know is that her wonderful family really loved her always and she loved them back .  You will be greatly missed!🙏🏻

Dear Papazian Family/
I was so so sad to hear of Maria’s passing. I had the privilege of calling her a colleague and friend when we worked together at UM with the graduate students in our TAL program for a number of years. Maria was the great organizer, advance planner with an incredible memory of every student, every event and all the project activities. I relied on her so much to keep everything on course. She had a great sense of humour and knew everyone across campus. Her advocacy for pets was amazing. I hope she is resting in peace and know her memory is a blessing.
Lynne Katz

Maria was an inspiration to me! We worked together for about 6 years on a federally funded Early Childhood Special Education project in the University of Miami's Department of Teaching and Learning. She was a skilled educator with a sincere committment to the needs of young children with disabilities. As a professional, she was a dedicated, collaborative,  and wonderfully competent team member. On a personal level, her cheerful and positive attitude to life was inspirational in light of her own continuing health struggles. Maria had survived several life-threatening episodes but never stopped smiling.  When I asked her secret, she said she would allow herself not more than 18 seconds of self-pity on a given day. Then she would get up and start over. I have found that guidance invaluable! My fondest regards to her family, with thanks for the wonderful person Maria was.

To the Papazian family and especially my beloved friend Varny,

Maria was a gift of laughter and generosity since I met her almost 25 years ago. She was one of the first to hold my daughter in her arms and welcomed her to the world with so much love and kindness, as the Papazian family welcomed me during my early days in Miami. She never hesitated to help animals or people in need and was part of many adventures helping me find homes and safety for stray cats and dogs. The beautiful picture of her soaking up the sun and sea is how I will remember and cherish her spirit. 

I am heartbroken to hear of Maria's passing.  I had the pleasure of volunteering with her for many years.  Her compassion, dedication, and resiliency was inspiring.  She was a champion for the animals and a blessing to all who knew her.  A true angel.  She will be greatly missed.  
My heartfelt sympathies,
Marla

I just found the strength to write this...  Lord knows I barely have any to do so.  Maria was already an angel.  All she did was go back home.  She was so dear to us all, people like her aren't meant to be kept on this planet for too long.   We're lucky we had her in this lifetime for as long as we did.  58 years!  Golly.  Some say she was too young;  I say she's timeless.  Her compassion inspired so many people!   Thank God we got to spend time with her.  Because of her, I have a better understanding of my purpose and because of her, I don't give up on my goals.  

Thank you, Maria, for being such a perfect friend.   I'll always miss our little road trips and sharing good music with you.  I'm listening to The Healing Room as I type this.  You are sorely missed.   Thank you for helping me understand life better.  Don't worry, your pups are fine!  His Majesty, Douglas of Pinecrest, Holly Joy, and Sweet Chloe are all hanging out with Nevy and the gang.   I'll meet you at The Rainbow Bridge someday, when it's my time to go.  We'll have a great time, hanging out with all of our animal companions. 

See you around, my dear friend.    <3

I was heartbroken to hear of Maria's passing. She was such a kind, compassionate person; no doubt heaven has a new angel. My heartfelt condolences to the Papazian family at the loss of such a precious soul.

I met Maria as a fellow animal activist and over the years our paths continued to cross as we worked on different issues to eliminate pain and suffering for our animal friends. In spite of her own pain and suffering, Maria always pushed through it when animals were involved and her commitment was such an example to me and so many others whose lives she touched. She always looked to see how she could be of service regardless of her challenges. I was always, and continue to be, in awe of her.

Maria, now you can soar, no more pain, feeling only the love of all of us (human and animal) whom you shared this earth with and gave so much of yourself to.  Now it's your time for peaceful rest my friend. God bless you forever.



Nenita 
Como cariñosamente te decíamos, te  has ido y aún nos cuesta aceptar semejante realidad . Tú luz, tus ideales,tu espíritu de lucha  , tu amor hacia los animales, la familia, tu pasión por los perros especialmente aquellos sin hogar, dejaran una huella. Hicisteis la diferencia con tus pensamientos, llegastes a muchos con tus ideales de  ayuda hacia los animales , recuerdo en el hospital cuando una enfermera te pregunto que si te gustaba el pollo y tu dijistes “I love them that’s why I don’t eat them “ .Tu partida a todos nos ha marcado profundamente , siempre recordaré esa sonrisa que tuvisteis hasta el final de tus días , tu elocuencia , tu  fortaleza hasta el final , luchasteis duro pero Dios tiene un plan que solo el sabe . Estamos tranquilos  q ya no sufres. Gracias por llamarme  hermana hasta al final. Descansa  neni , descansa en paz , se siente mucho tu ausencia , dios nos ha llevado a una gran persona, pero seguirás en nuestros pensamientos en nuestros corazones , no te olvidaremos , siempre hablaré con Adriel acerca de ti para que te recuerde y de tus ideales . Ahora  te dejo en compañía de mi mamá. Fuerzas  a toda la familia para pasar por este dolor indescriptible 

La última vez que nos encontramos recuerdo el brillo en sus ojos y su sonrisa complaciente cuando le dije que yo tenía 21 perros y le había ganado.. sonriente me dijo Yoyita como lo haces?.. no sé le contesté..ese sentimiento corre en la  familia y se que todos somos seres  Humanos  que seguimos brindando  Amor a todo lo que nos rodea... nuestro sentimiento fue mutuo  y se que hizo solidaria eso que compartimos... ella seguirá en mis pensamientos siempre ...

Why Nenita went to Heaven
We believe that all dogs go to Heaven, and
High up in the courts of Heaven thousands of dogs were waiting for a very special someone  to take care of them. Therefore, God and his angels were being kept very busy, there were so many dogs in Heaven to take care of, and
Nenita was suffering a lot on Earth.
So, God thought it was best for everyone that Nenita join Him and the dogs in heaven, and He so ordered.
Now, we on Earth do miss Nenita tremendously, but we must not cry for her passing, we must remember the wonderful sweet and caring woman that God gave us for (too short) a while. We must take comfort that Nenita is now well and happily enjoying taking care of all dogs in Heaven.
With all our love to all the Papazians,
Mily and Alexis

Por qué Nenita fue al cielo
Nosotros  creemos que todos los perros van al cielo, y
En lo alto de las canchas del Cielo miles de perros esperaban a alguien muy especial para cui-darlos. Por lo tanto, Dios y sus ángeles se mantenían muy ocupados, había tantos perros en el cielo para cuidar, y
Nenita estaba sufriendo mucho en la Tierra.
Entonces, Dios pensó que era mejor para todos que Nenita se uniera a Él y a los perros en el cielo, y Él así lo ordenó.
Ahora, nosotros en la Tierra extrañamos tremendamente a Nenita, pero no debemos llorar por su fallecimiento, debemos recordar a la maravillosa mujer dulce y cariñosa que Dios nos dio por (demasiado poco) un tiempo. Debemos consolarnos de que Nenita ahora está bien y feliz-mente disfrutando cuidando de todos los perros en el Cielo.
Con todo nuestro amor a todos los Papazian,
Mily y Alexis


Maria was a blessing to all of us! Maria and I volunteered together at PAWS4you Rescue. She was my right hand woman when it came
to the HOWLOWEEN event. I loved working with her and loved how dedicated she was to helping the animals.  I still remember seeing her drive up in her convertible car with the top down to all of our meetings. I was always so thankful that she was a late night person too. There were many late nights we would text and chat  while planning the events. She was well known in the community for helping animals and people always liked giving back to her.   Here is a picture of her volunteering at the PAWS4you’s HOWLOWEEN event in 2019. I will truly miss her. 

Neny was the kindest most generous soul whom I have ever known. Her generosity and love knew no bounds. She was my big sister who taught me so much and was always there to guide me through times of strife and celebrate in times of happiness. A truly inspiring and inspired woman, she was easily brought to laughter;  her joy was truly divine. She was light. May she rest in eternal peace and sunshine!

Maria, great friend, kind, compassionate, dedicated to help and save animals and to assist people in need...a true Angel that returned home too early. 
My condolences to her loving family and friends. 
We will miss you forever Maria.  Peace, love and light! 
Lissette

The passing of Maria Papazian is truly a terrible loss for the world, and especially for the world of animals. 

Maria is and was, without a doubt, one of the sweetest people on earth ... she will be sorely missed by everyone lucky enough to have known her. 

Maria was also a blessing to non profit charities, such as 600MillionDogs, where I first met her.     As the most dedicated volunteer of all, Maria was always a source of inspiration and hope, and she would always put a smile on everyone's face, no matter how difficult the work would be.  

Maria, you will be forever missed. 
With love and affection,
Alex Pacheco

Cuando llegó a España (1969) y concretamente a nuestra casa en Gijón, su abuela (Bota, Bota) le estuvo enseñando la casa y al llegar al balcón que daba a la calle Menéndez Valdés, vio en la acera de enfrente una tienda "La Más Surtida" que tenía muchos jamones colgando del techo, sin pensarlo saltó salió corriendo a la entrada de la casa y le dijo a la madre "Mamá, Mamá corre, corre que llegaron jamones" estaba ya acostumbrada a la escasez de comida y a la libreta para poder comprar. 

I had he gift and privilege of knowing Maria through her tremendous efforts as a volunteer supporting  the mission of PAWS4you Rescue.  Her tireless devotion to our organization and other animal causes inspired me and so many others. Her smile and personality lit up any room she entered, and she will always have a special place in my heart.  I am so grateful that God placed her in my life.  My heartfelt prayers are with all of her family and friends during this difficult time. Sending healing hugs and prayers.

I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Maria while we were both volunteers for Paws4You Pet Rescue.  She did so much for the Rescue and was always so helpful and caring. She will be missed.

Your family here in Spain was so shocked when receiving the news two days ago, we can’t still believe it.
We remember when she came to Spain the first time, she was a cheerful little girl who didn’t want to eat a paella because of the prawns on it, she told us she couldn’t eat them because their big eyes stared at her with sadness, she has been loving animals since she was so little.
Your goodness won’t be forgotten.


I was very fortunate to have reconnected with my little cousin "Neny" in recent years.  Life's circumstances took us in different paths when our respective families were separated, after we departed our country of birth.   Neny was a beautiful,  happy and vivacious little girl who I enjoyed playing with at her grandparents' lovely apartment in Cuba.  I was a bit older than her but we got along beautifully. She was very sweet, generous and kind even then. I remember she once gave me one of her dolls to take home because I liked it so much. 
All her life she has cared about the earth and its creatures.  She has been an outspoken and diligent animal advocate.  Her presence on this earth will be painfully missed. 
My mother loved her and her family immensely; I take some comfort in knowing  Neny is in Heaven reunited with her beloved grandparents, my mom, her great-grandparents, Garcia, and all of her beloved furry children. 
Although her time on this earth was short she touched the lives of so many.   She truly enjoyed every moment and was grateful for each and every day that God granted her.  I admired her strength and her willpower.   May she rest in peace and may God forever keep her in his wake.  I love you Neny.  


I am heartbroken. Maria is light that will never extinguish. I met Maria via my late partner Marilyn Kirschen. Maria always had a smile on her face and saw the good in everyone and the good in all animals she rescued and helped. I will miss her very much and I know she will be a guardian angel to her family friends, and to all animals. Give a big hug to Marilyn for me, mi amiga. We will see each other again. 

I knew Maria for almost 20 years. A dynamo of compassion and love. She was my right hand on so many things including, our non-profit "Brookhaven" and our nine " Animal Adoption Fairs" which adopted out over 2,000 animals to loving homes. She worked tirelessly for a number of organizations as well as years for UM. She was a gem for whomever she worked for. Her kindness extended to her own menagerie of animals and she loved them like children. She was one of the rare few who could get me to eat out at a new vegan restaurant or café and one of the only reasons I had for even going to Miami hahaha. She cared about others more than her own concerns and worked through pain so many times I can't put a number to it. She was one in 10,000,000 and I will miss her so very much. Her family has lost a loving daughter and sister, and the animals and the world have indeed lost a dear friend and I hope wherever her energy goes next, that she is happy and at peace. Love ya Maria...

Heaven received a True Angel. I never met Maria face to face. I met her when she posted my dogs photo on her timeline. I messengered her and asked her why?  She said she liked photos of dogs being happy. I knew I liked her immediately. 
 We texted for over an hour.  Her and I would text now and then. No matter what her situation, she would do her best to help all animals. 
Such was such a beautiful upbeat soul. 
My deepest condolences to her Family and Friends.  She will be missed immensely. 


I worked with Maria a bit on animal rights and other animal events. She was a very, very nice person. I'm so sad to hear this news. She was giving and sweet. A fellow vegan, who has gone too soon. 

OBITUARY

Maria D. Papazian

24 October, 1962 – 28 May, 2021

Caballero Rivero Little Havana

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