Maria Elena Hartley- beloved wife, mother, grandma, daughter and sister, just a few of the many roles that she so passionately immersed herself in, peacefully transitioned into eternal life from the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on November 19th 2021. She embodied the very meaning of "To know you is to love you."
She left a sprinkle of herself in all of those who were blessed to know her and experience her presence. Her essence, so pure, will linger in the hallways of our homes, fill the spaces of our minds and resonate in our hearts every day till we can be with her again.
"Malena" as her family called her, was born on February 24th, 1971 to Yolanda Cala-Garcia and Jose Concepcion Cala in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico. She took on the role of motherhood early on in life, giving birth to her firstborn daughter, Karla Arazay Hartley(Maki), in December of 1988.
After migrating to the United States from Mexico with her sweet little Karla in tow, Elena met the love of her life, Jesse Hartley, in 1992, in Salt Lake City, UT. Their burning passion led them to the altar without hesitation! They were united as one, May 12, 1992. Soon after, she was blessed with three additional children; Veronica Hartley, Jacob Hartley and Joshua Hartley. A life filled with laughter, adventure and love, the six of us were inseparable.
Her children fulfilled her wish of becoming a grandma. A role best fulfilled by her. Her pride and joys; Trinity Maki, Ferrah Maki, Noaah Hartley, Shiloh Maki, Jacob Jr. Hartley and our most recent angel, Aurora Elena Hartley.
While we planned many more years with her, we will cherish the years shared and the memories made with her. She spoke the language of love, reminding us all that we are worthy of all the beautiful things that life has to offer- including her unconditional love.
She is preceded in death by her unborn son to husband Jesse, her baby sister; Veronica Cala-Garcia; and her grandparents, "Papi Tonio" and "Mami Tomasa."
She leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, Jesse Hartley; her children, Karla Maki (Aaron), Veronica Cortes-Hartley (Nate), Jacob Hartley (Madeline), Joshua Hartley; her six grandchildren; her Mother-in-law, Bonnie Hartley; as well as all of her bonus siblings and nieces and nephews whom she grew to love and call her own. She also leaves behind her mother, Yolanda; her siblings, Ceasar, David, Janet, Ramon and Orlando; and her many nieces and nephews.
"May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand."
A graveside service for Maria will be held 10 AM, Friday, December 3, 2021 at Holly Hill Memorial Park, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL 32068. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.
