Maria Goretti Maxey

Born in São Miguel, Açores, Portugal, Maria immigrated to the United States with her family on December 22, 1970. As one of twelve children, she grew up in a home filled with love, laughter, and resilience. In 1976, she married Joseph D. Araujo and in 1989 Moved to Florida, and together they built a beautiful life until his passing in December 1989. Years later fate brought her to Norman V. Maxey, the love of her life. They married on April 17, 2009, and shared many joyful years together until Norman’s passing on September 22, 2016.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Gil and Lidia Raposo; her sister, Maria Do Natal Sanchez; her first husband, Joseph D. Araujo; and her beloved husband, Norman Maxey.

She leaves behind her four children, Jennifer (Terry) Stewart, Michelle Vega (Eric Vieira), Jeffrey Araujo, and Christina (Dale) Liggett, who will forever carry her love in their hearts. Maria was a proud and devoted grandmother to Ceirra (John) Figura, Brittanie (Nicholas) Mallory, Tessa Jones, Brianna Stewart, Logan Stewart, Jorge Vega Jr., Isabella Vega, Ethan Vieira, Nicholas Liggett, Alexander Liggett, Bradley Liggett, Destinie Araujo, Justin Araujo, and Hazel Araujo, as well as three cherished great-grandsons. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Maria’s days were filled with beauty and creativity. She found peace in her garden, joy in music—both Christian and Portuguese—and delight in dancing, traveling, and crafting. One of her most treasured traditions was visiting the tea room with her grandchildren, creating memories that will be held close to their hearts forever.

Above all, Maria’s greatest gift was her love. She devoted her life to her family’s happiness, nurturing them with kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion. Her legacy of love, resilience, and joy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

A visitation will be held on December 7, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, located at 2198 K-Ville Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823, United States.

The funeral service will follow at the same location from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.