Maria Elena Heinrich

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Maria Elena Heinrich (nee Gentili), 89 of Rockville, Maryland who died on May 11, 2022. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 14, 1932 to Maria and Augusto Gentili, Maria Elena immigrated to the US in 1956 with her husband Dr. Kurt F.J. Heinrich. They first settled in Wilmington, DE before moving to Maryland in 1964.

Maria was patient, kind, caring and always interested in those around her. She enjoyed spending time with the family and friends, attending classical music concerts, the arts in general and traveling the world. In addition to being a wonderful mother and homemaker, Maria continued her education by taking undergraduate courses and eventually earning a PhD in Spanish literature from University of Maryland, after which she taught at local colleges and universities before retiring.

Vascular dementia impacted Maria in her later years and in 2016, she moved to Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, MD. The family extends our gratitude to the staff at Asbury’s Wilson Health Care Center for the care provided to our mother.

Maria is preceded in death by Kurt, her husband of 59 years, as well as her sister Lidia. Her survivors include sister Elda (Eduardo); daughter Silvia (Doug); son Martin (Terri); and three grandchildren: Lauren, Ally and Jack. Maria will be forever in our hearts.

Services are private.