Beloved mother of six, Maria Celina, was born in the beautiful and lush town of Canas Gordas in Colombia, South America. As a young lady, she had a passion for singing and the arts. She was featured on a local radio station before committing to marriage and a slew of children. In 1972, she moved to Rhode Island where the textile industry provided her family's livelihood. A few years later her large family would again pack their bags, this time to the warm state of South Carolina. During this time she began a love of country music, Clint Eastwood movies, sewing, gardening, and raising her girls and son. Maria, as she was known in Easley, was a well known cook, especially for her delicious and savory empanadas. She could be found daily at the local Starbucks for her grande soy chai tea latte, with caramel drizzle and her local gas station for her favorite Marlboro lights. She was also talented with her painting, designing jewelry, flower arranging, and making any craft of any kind. Tita, as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her, delighted in her Christmas traditions and being thoroughly spoiled by her. Tita would treat them to dance moves, jokes, lots of chocolate, and stories from her "old country". To her children, she was the biggest source of love, and believed that her kids could do anything. She was the best fan anyone could have hoped for. She was full of fire, strength and love. Magic surrounded her days and she was always excited to have a guest over. No one was turned away, and she always had a kind word and big HUG before leaving. She will be greatly missed.
Maria Celina is survived by her six children: Mary Parton (Charles) of Brightwood, VA, Carlos Tobon of Easley, Diana Tobon (Alberto Rodriguez Mata) of Liberty, Gloria Smith (Derek) of Easley, Ingrid Mode (Timothy) of Easley, and Leesa Brotherton (Christopher) of Greenville; her sister: Elvia Restrepo of Colombia, South America; a brother: Ruben Osorio of California; seventeen grandchildren: Eric Parton, Leandra Tobon, Chase Tobon, Cortney Compton, Juan Miguel Austin, Victoria Austin, Charline Austin, Bryan Ivery, Adrian Ivery, Andre Smith, Deven Smith, Scott Mode, Zackary Mode, Alexander Brotherton, Sofia Celina Brotherton, Nicolas Brotherton, Viviana Brotherton; and two great-grandchildren: Natalie Ivery and Keaton Jayce Smith.
Maria Celina was preceded in death by her parents: Jorge and Ana Julieta Osorio; and a sister: Dora Delazerda.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park
The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Wednesday, prior to the service, at Dillard Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude via their website at https://www.stjude.org/donate.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.
