Maria was born in Havana, Cuba on October 17, 1935. She was the eldest child of three daughters. As a child, Maria, known to her family as “Merita”, and her family lived near the beach on the beautiful island, so her love of the ocean began at a very early age. Sitting on the beach, listening to the waves and watching the sunset was one of her favorite things to do.
Although she was interested in a medical career early on, Merita followed her mother’s wishes and became a kindergarten teacher. In those days being a woman and becoming a doctor was not highly looked upon. She later married and gave birth to three daughters— Margarita, Betty & Vicky.
In 1962 Merita and her family immigrated to the United States to flee Castro’s communist regime. It was very important to her that her daughters enjoy the privilege of a free country. They settled in Los Angeles and another daughter, Cristy was born in 1968.
Maria enjoyed sewing— making gorgeous dresses for her girls. She baked & decorated beautiful cakes for each of the girls birthdays. Merita and her family loved to travel across the country in their motor home when the girls were young. She had a passion for photography, taking hundreds of pictures every place she visited.
Merita was an amazing woman who always showed unconditional love for her family and always had the willingness to give to whomever needed it. She was completely selfless and full of love. Her family was her pride and joy and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them.
She fought a long, hard battle with cancer and showed complete dignity and strength. Her family and faith helped her throughout the most difficult of times. She leaves behind her husband, Oman, her daughters, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She will be missed immensely but will remain forever in our hearts.
Donations in her honor can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital which was very near & dear to her.
