Maria A. Malave Valentin, 88, from San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, passed away unexpectedly on November, 28 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Nilsa S. Colon Ortiz, her son-in-law, Albert Ortiz, and her two grandchildren, Joy Marie and Jonathan Omar.
Maria grew up in Puerto Rico where her father was a farmer and a store owner. She grew up in a Christian home and was active in church during her youth. After grade school, she married Juan Colon Piris and moved to Quebradillas, PR, where she began teaching dressmaking and tailoring, and later studied to be a beautician. She also worked at the local hospital where she became a dietician.
Maria was widowed young. As a single mother, Maria worked hard to care for and supported her daughter throughout the years.
In 1980, Maria moved from Puerto Rico to Stillwater, OK to be with her daughter and son-in-law as they continued their studies at Oklahoma State University (OSU). Always a hard worker, she became an employee of OSU’s Student Union, where she worked for 38 years. She was involved in community and University activities, such as the Hispanic Student Association, Madrigal Program, and the “Rebekahs” – an American Legion Auxiliary. As an employee, she received many honors and awards from her department. Despite her accomplishments, she was humble and also served as a motherly figure for many in the school by offering housing during school breaks to international students, and free advice to anyone who needed it. Her dedication to OSU and its students made her a fixture of the campus and she grew to be loved by all.
After retiring, Maria moved to Hartford where she enjoyed spending time with her family and making new friends at the Primera Iglesia Bautista de Hartford. Throughout her life, Maria openly shared her kindness and wisdom with those around her. She was loving, dedicated, ready with a joke, and always looking to give to those in need. As a Christian, she also took every opportunity to acknowledge God with gratitude for all she was and all she did.
Family and friends are invited Saturday, December 4, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for the visitation and celebration of Maria’s life at the Primera Iglesia Bautista de Hartford, 210-212 Washington St, Hartford. Burial services will occur in San Juan, Puerto Rico.For directions or online tributes, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.
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