Maria Quiñones

With faith in God's promise of eternal life, we announce the passing of Maria Altagracia Quiñones Vargas, affectionately known as “Nani” to her family and close friends, who passed away on October 26, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born on November 18, 1937, in El Mamey (Los Hidalgos), Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Maria was the eldest of three children. Her life was defined by unwavering faith, extraordinary resilience, generosity, and profound devotion to her family.

As a young girl, Maria experienced the hardship of divorced parents and then the separation from her mother, who emigrated to the United States. Maria and her younger sister were sent to study at the Colegio Inmaculada Concepción boarding school in La Vega, Dominican Republic. Although those years were difficult, she spoke lovingly of the religious sisters who cared for her. There, she learned to cook, developed an exceptional talent for cross-stitching, and cultivated a deep and lasting love for Our Lord.

Her Catholic faith became the foundation of her life. During difficult times, Maria often encouraged others with the words, *“Hay que agarrarse del manto de Dios”* — we must hold on to God's mantle. These words reflected her profound trust in God and her belief that faith would sustain us through life's greatest challenges.

In 1957, Maria moved to New York City, where she reunited with her mother. As the eldest child, she helped care for her younger siblings, embracing the duties and responsibilities of family with selflessness and devotion. She built a career in the shipping industry before later working in the airline industry, while cultivating a lifelong love of travel and other cultures.

At the age of 39, Maria welcomed her only daughter, Dolores Mejia, into the world and raised her in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Maria believed that raising a child takes a village and relied on the loving support of Modesta and Carlos Nivar, who became grandparents to Dolores in every way that mattered. Living across the street from them, Maria ensured that her daughter grew up surrounded by love, family, and support.

The Dominican Republic remained Maria's safe space throughout her life. She repeatedly returned to the country she loved, where she could stay close to family. Her love for her homeland was reflected in her professional life as well. Maria worked for the International Executive Service Corps (IESC), a leading U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering private-sector growth and creating economic opportunities for people and communities around the world. For Maria, this mission was deeply meaningful. Her lifelong desire to help others thrive found purpose in her work, allowing her to contribute to the growth and prosperity of her beloved homeland.

Maria also found joy in discovering the world around her. An avid traveler, she enjoyed exploring Europe with her mother and younger sister and held a special affection for Spain and Mexico, their cultures, music and traditions, returning frequently throughout her life. She was a voracious reader, often finishing three or four books a week, a lover of classical music, a yoga instructor and an accomplished home chef whose cooking reflected her travels and the cultures she loved.

Maria faced life's challenges with remarkable strength and determination, earning the affectionate family name *La Mujer de Acero* — the Woman of Steel. Beneath that strength was a compassionate and generous heart. She often reminded others, *“Hay que hacer un bien sin mirar a quién”* — do good without regard to whom you are helping. These words reflected the way she lived, quietly supporting causes in the Dominican Republic and Miami, Florida, never seeking recognition or praise. She was a steadfast presence for her family and others, always ready to lend a hand or offer support. For Maria, kindness was not simply something to believe in, but something to practice every day.

Maria spent the final fifteen years of her life living with her daughter, remaining close to the family she cherished. Her love extended beyond her daughter to her stepchildren, godchildren, and the many others who regarded her as a mother and friend.

Maria was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Lidia Vargas; her brother Eddy Manuel Quiñones; and her dear family members, Modesta and Carlos Nivar, whose love helped shape her family's life.

She is lovingly survived by her sister, Elsa Quiñones; her beloved daughter, Dolores Mejia, and son-in-law, Lisandro; and her cherished grandson, Lucas.

Maria leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, service, and unconditional love. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, a loving daughter and sister, a woman of culture and curiosity, and a generous, steadfast presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the faith she cherished and entrusts her soul to the loving mercy of God. Her lessons, traditions, and love will live on through generations.

May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Please join the family in celebrating Maria. Below is the service details:

A Funeral Service will be held at Church of the Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables, FL 33134, on November 3, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a Committal Service at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172, on November 3, 2026, at 11:30 am