Maricela Munoz Echevarria

Today, I stand before you with a heavy heart as I bid farewell to my beloved wife, Maricela Echevarria. We shared an extraordinary journey together, spanning 44 beautiful years. It feels like just yesterday when our paths crossed in that humble stock room near the garbage compactor at K-Mart in 1974, during my senior year at Leto High.

Maricela was attending Jefferson High at the time, and little did I know that this encounter would shape the rest of my life.

In those early years, when societal norms frowned upon dating within the workplace, we defied conventions and embarked on a five-year courtship that was filled with love, laughter, and unwavering dedication. Maricela became my world, my one and only, and I knew from the depths of my soul that she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

We were married on September 8th, 1979, a date that held special significance to Maricela as it marked the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our honeymoon in Hawaii was a time of pure bliss and marked the beginning of a lifelong adventure together. Soon after, we purchased our first home, a cozy condo that became a symbol of dreams and aspirations.

Maricela was not only my loving wife but also my pillar of strength and my most trusted friend. When I expressed my desire to leave my stable job as a CPA and venture into the unknown world of entrepreneurship, she stood by me without hesitation, even though I had no clients at the time. Her unwavering belief in me and her boundless support gave me the courage to take that leap of faith, and I will forever be grateful for her unwavering trust.

Her attention to detail and remarkable organizational skills were unmatched. Maricela took care of every aspect of our household, from scheduling maintenance for the AC, water heater, and spa, to managing our finances, paying bills, and reconciling the bank statements. I never had to worry about these matters because she handled them with grace and efficiency. She truly was my rock and confidante.

One of Maricela’s many talents was her uncanny ability to spread joy and kindness to everyone around her. She remembered each person's birthday, anniversary, and special occasions, ensuring that no one in our lives ever felt forgotten. We were an unbeatable team, complementing each other's strengths and standing united in the face of any challenge that came our way. Our belief in each other and strong faith in God always helped us weather the storms. We committed to attend church each week when we had an argument. It’s funny how after a slight misunderstanding, we’d go to Sunday Mass not talking to each other but once we offer each other the sign(kiss) of peace in Church, it turned out to be a blessed Sunday for us!

Though we did not have children of our own, Maricela poured her love and devotion into her nieces and nephews, as well as various children's causes. Together, we volunteered as Big Brother and Big Sister , even welcoming a young man into our lives and picking him up every week. Our home was a sanctuary for our loved ones, and Maricela's nurturing spirit extended to hosting children-only parties and creating cherished memories.

Christmas held a special place in Maricela's heart. She would transform our home into a magical wonderland, meticulously setting the tables, adorning the house with decorations, and inviting the entire family over for Christmas Eve dinner. Witnessing the joy on everyone's faces as they opened their gifts, carefully chosen and wrapped by Maricela, remains etched in my memory. Last year, she celebrated Christmas with unparalleled grace and love, making it an occasion to remember.

Maricela’s dedication and loyalty extended beyond our home. Her professional life was marked by excellence and attention to detail. I was constantly impressed by her ability to communicate with her customers, ensuring their needs were met with the utmost care and professionalism. She left an indelible mark on her workplace, earning the respect and admiration of all who had the pleasure of working with her.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Maricela had a deep passion for animals. Our furry companions—Shelly, Daisy, Spooky, Sadie, and Katie—were her joy and her heart. She showered them with love, providing them with a home filled with warmth and happiness.

Maricela's thirst for knowledge was evident throughout her academic journey. She excelled in college, making it onto the Dean's list three times. In 1977, she was honored with the prestigious Harry E Hurst Award, recognizing her exemplary performance and bringing honor to herself and Hillsborough Community College. Her dedication and pursuit of excellence were truly inspiring.

But above all, it is the small things—the everyday moments—that I will miss the most. Her voice calling out my last name affectionately as I arrived home from work: “Munoz, you’re home!”, her warm smile that greeted me at the door, and the feeling of unconditional love and acceptance that radiated from her always made me feel at home. Maricela was my constant, my unwavering support, and my soulmate. The void left by her passing is immeasurable and I will forever treasure the memories we shared.

She once gave me a valentine’s card in 2018(five years ago) that said inside:

Every day we celebrate achievements and joys,

We face challenges and obstacles…

Always together.

We’ve laughed, cried, and shared things

That no one else understand…

Always together

In the hardest moments

And in the happiest occasions,

I don’t need anything or anyone but you…

For you are my life, my soul, the love of my heart.

That pretty much sums up the two of us. I’m so sorry that Maricela had to go on this journey alone, without me by her side. But I know that she was greeted in Paradise by her Lord and Creator, who smiled when he saw her and she is now happily waiting for me. I won’t hurry to join her, but I will be so happy when I finally get to see her again.

As we bid farewell to Maricela, let us remember her as a beacon of kindness, love, and unwavering dedication. May her spirit guide us, reminding us to cherish our loved ones, embrace each day with gratitude, and live life to the fullest, just as she did. Rest in eternal peace, my my beloved k-mart girl. You will forever hold a special place in my heart

Maricela Munoz Echevarria, age 66, of Tampa, Florida passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Maricela came to United States from Cuba to Miami and then to New York on March 25, 1969. Eventually moved to Tampa in 1972, She became a United States Citizen on April 27, 1979.

She was a graduate of Jefferson High School and Hillsborough Community College. While at H.C.C. Maricela was on the Dean's List in 1976, 1977, and 1978.

In 1977 she was recognized at Hillsborough Community College Fourth Annual Honors Convocation for her exemplary performance and bringing honor to herself and Hillsborough Community College. And also was awarded the Harry E. Hurst Award. Mr. Hurst (Past Florida Institute of CPAS President). Mr. Hurst was a CPA of international acclaim. The Award was presented annually by Robert C. Hamilton in recognition of Mr. Hurst's contribution to the community. Mr. Hurst made the presentation personally at the HCC Honors Convocation. She received a scholarship from the American Society & Development (Management) 1976 and a scholarship from the Harry E. Hurst Award (Accounting).

Maricela had a strong Catholic faith and served as Eucharistic Minister at St. Paul Catholic Church.

She met her soulmate Gilbert J Munoz in 1974 while both were working a K-Mart. They married on September 8,1979 (the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ybor City (the baptism place of her spouse).

After finishing college, she began working for Weyerhauser Paper Company and continued to work for International Paper Company (as a manager/service representative) after IP acquired the Tampa location. The Tampa location was responsible for the production of corrugated boxes that supplied the likes of Zephyrhills, Amazon, and Strawberry Growers. One of her major accounts was the Strawberry Growers, and over time made many friends in the Plant City area. She very much enjoyed attending the annual Strawberry Growers Association Awards and Recognition dinner. She retired from IP after 40 years of service.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gilbert J. Munoz; father, Osvaldo Echevarria; brothers, Mike Echevarria, Francisco Echevarria, Orestes Echevarria; sister, Janet Echevarria; nephews, Orlandito Echevarria, Mike Echevarria, Anthony Fonseca, Nick Fonseca; nieces, Kristina Evans, Amanda Weigner; great-nephews, Ezra Evans Oliver Echevarria, Kayden Fonseca; great-nieces, Jeyzenia Ravelo, Maleli Ravelo, Azalea Weigner, Arabella Fonseca, Alaina Fonseca and Angelina Fonseca.

A funeral mass for Maricela will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 10110 North Central Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33612. Entombment to follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa, Florida.

Tribute Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to Children's Home Network located at 10909 Memorial Highway, Tampa, Florida 33615. You can also instead dedicate a brick in her honor on the PATH to NEW BEGINNINGS!. The path is a brick walkway leading to the entrance of the administration building. The Path symbolizes the path at-risk children take from sadness to hope and to honor those who help them to get there. You can contact Nancy Young, at 813-864-1534 if you wish to memorialize a brick paver.