Maria was a vibrant and fiercely independent person. She was always ready to help everyone but rarely welcomed reciprocity. She wanted to do it her way and on her own. She loved music and dancing and spending time with family. Maria was an avid traveler and used each and every opportunity to do so. She traveled throughout the world and visited many countries such as France, Switzerland, Morocco, Italy, East Germany, Thailand, Australia, India, and some of the Caribbean countries. Maria’s other passion was shopping, and she would spend her days shopping for everyone.
When it comes to education, Maria studied at McGill University in Canada, where she earned a Master's degree of Science in Neuropharmacology. She went on to apply her studies by working as a senior research biologist for two major pharmaceutical companies during her career. She was very dedicated to introducing the field of science and research to children. Maria loved anything connected to science, particularly, her love for the universe with all its stars and galaxies. She retired in 2011.
Wherever she went, Maria would leave a positive impression on anyone she encountered. She was the type of person to jump in and help and do it with a smile, even when she was not feeling her best. Maria loved her family and friends dearly, they all meant the world to her. Maria will be remembered for being a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, titi, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hipolito Cirino Ayala and Elsa Milagros Pellot Altieriz.
Survivors include her son, Michael Taylor (Anne Marie); step-daughters, Cory Vaszily (Tom) and Kirby Rivest (Serge); brother, Hipolito Cirino (Awilda); sisters, Alicia Cirino and Cynthia Watts (Wayne); granddaughter, Amariah Taylor; step-granddaughter, Jessica Vaszily and step-grandson, Hunter Vaszily.
The family will receive friends from 9-11 am on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, Terrace Oaks Chapel; followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 12 noon at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Interment in Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blountcurryterraceoaks.com.
