Maria Wetzel

Maria Rosa Wetzel died peacefully at her home on Monday night, February 24, 2025, at the age of 91. Predeceased for three years by her husband, Fred Wetzel Jr. and survived by her children, Fred Wetzel III, Frank Wetzel, Marina Bearman, and her grandson Dylan Wetzel.

Maria Rosa Wetzel (her maiden name was Manco) was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 13th, 1933. She immigrated to Lakewood, New Jersey in 1959 and stayed with her uncle Frank (from the Manco family in Italy). She met Fred Jr. in Atlantic City at a Navy dance while he was stationed at Fort Dix.

Fred and Maria were married in New York City in 1963 and soon after moved to Smyrna where Fred was on assignment with the Navy at Dobbins Air Force Base. In 1967 they moved to Dunwoody, Georgia where they lived in the same house for the next 57 years.

Maria spent her energy as a homemaker, lovingly caring for her three children and often spent time volunteering for the community. She was a fabulous cook, threw wonderful dinner parties and generously brought meals to those in need. She taught Spanish at the Suzuki school in Buckhead for over a decade, and helped many native Spanish speakers adapt to life in United States.

Maria was also a gifted artist who painted porcelain and watercolors. As a member of the Dunwoody Art Club, she studied painting porcelain lamps, plates, soup terrines, servers and tea sets and had her own kiln at home to fire her porcelain pieces. Her most notable subject matters were flowers and landscapes. She participated in many shows at the Dogwood Festival and at the Spruill Center in Dunwoody. One of her porcelain China sets was accepted by the Governor of Georgia and displayed at the Governor’s Mansion.

Maria practiced her Christian faith throughout her life attending Rivercliff Lutheran Church for many decades.

After 40+ years as a green card holder, she finally became a proud citizen of the United States. In her retirement, she traveled with her husband, friends and children in Europe and South America. In 2010, Maria had a stroke limiting use of her left side, yet she enjoyed the last 15 years of her life despite her handicap.

One of the highlights of her life was becoming a grandmother at the age of 80. She had 10 wonderful years with her beautiful grandson, Dylan Wetzel who she often referred to as “mi tesoro”.

Possessing an amiable personality, she maintained close friendships with numerous individuals. She was well-loved, lived a great, long life and will certainly be cherished and missed by family and friends alike.