Maria Isabel Vivanco

Maria I. Vivanco, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta, GA. A visitation for family and friends to gather will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, between the hours of 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM with a prayer service following at 5:00 PM at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, GA. A graveside service will take place at Georgia National Cemetery Friday, April 18, 2025, at 9:30 AM.

Born on August 4, 1943, in Palma Soriano, Cuba, to her cherished parents, Luis & Martha Del Castillo, Maria lived a life full of love, adventure, and unwavering devotion to those around her. For 60 wonderful years, she shared a beautiful marriage with her beloved Jose’ L. Vivanco, Sr. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and fun. Maria was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she and Jose’ worshipped side by side for 13 years, grounding their life in love and spirituality.

Maria had a career as a soccer referee assignor for the Georgia State Soccer Association for 17 years; her true passion was in being a nurturing housewife, an ever-present mother, and a proud grandmother. Her kitchen was the heart of her home—filled with the smells of delicious meals, baked treats, and the laughter of family. A woman of vibrant interests and endless energy, Maria found happiness in the little things—feeding hummingbirds, doting on the ducks at her beloved duck farm, watching soccer, scrolling through Facebook reels, and basking in the joyful chaos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love for wildlife was only rivaled by her deep love for her country; she was deeply patriotic and proud to call the United States her home. One of her fondest memories was a treasured family trip to Spain, a testament to her adventurous spirit and the closeness she cultivated with her family.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Jose’ L. Vivanco Sr.; sons, Jose’ L. Vivanco, Jr. (Regina), Javier I. Vivanco, and Carlos M. Vivanco; daughters, Victoria M. Adamson and Virginia M. Corse (Logan); 25 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren soon to be joining the family; first cousins, Tonya Fiol and Pedro Fiol; and her faithful companion and loving cat, Mussi. She is preceded in death by her sister, Martha Del Castillo, her mother, Martha Fiol Del Castillo and her father, Luis Del Castillo.

Maria was a rare soul—loving, intelligent, generous, and endlessly compassionate. She cared deeply for both people and animals, often taking in those in need without hesitation. Her memory was as sharp as her wit, and her heart knew no bounds. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and loyalty, and she leaves behind a family and community who will continue to honor her in every act of kindness, every shared meal, and every bird fed in her memory.

In lieu of flowers Maria's family has asked that donations be made in her name to one of the charities listed. Must Ministries at https://www.mustministries.org/ , or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home 760 Pollard Blvd, SW Atlanta, GA 30315 or Christian Appalachian Project at https://www.christianapp.org/ or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/

She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and eternally cherished.