Maria Lucila Tapia

Maria was born on August 10, 1946, in Medellin, Colombia, to Francisco and Elvira Cadavid. Maria came to the United States in 1969 as a student but quickly made the United States her new home. She lived in New York, Louisiana, and Hawaii before settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she lived for over 40 years, since 1985.

Maria dedicated nearly 25 years of her life to working with preschool children, primarily through Head Start, shaping countless children’s first school memories while also raising her own children. She was dependable and determined, and despite relying on the bus as her lifelong transportation, she never missed a day of work or an important appointment. Maria’s creativity and resourcefulness were evident throughout her life, including making and selling popcorn balls to help pay for her children’s school pictures. She consistently showed resilience and strength through adversity, with gratitude for the blessings in her life.

Maria was never one to sit still for long. She filled her days with purpose through daily walks, craft projects, shopping, baking, outings with her grandchildren, and, of course, cooking. She especially enjoyed making traditional Colombian food. At Christmas time, she baked Friendship Bread, each wrapped in green and red Saran Wrap and mailed all over the world for family and friends to enjoy. Maria’s legacy exists in all of the lives she touched through sharing and caring for others.

Maria’s life was firmly rooted in her faith in God and her dedication to living according to His Word, as His humble servant. Throughout her life, she used the teachings of the Bible as guidance in both challenges and triumphs. Her dedication was reflected in her activity in the church community and in her day-to-day life. Prayer, scripture, and gratitude were ever present in handwritten cards, decorations, and conversation.

Maria’s family was her pride and joy. She treasured moments spent with her children and grandchildren, finding happiness in their accomplishments and time together. She is survived by her children, Ingrid (Thomas) Bruske and Howard (Tammi) Tapia, and her four grandchildren, Collin Bruske, Hannah Bruske, Miles Tapia, and Amalia Tapia. Maria is also survived by her siblings, Margarita, Javier, and Amalia María.

Maria is now reunited with her parents, Rosa Elvira Meneses and Francisco Tomás Cadavid; her brothers, Israel, Luis Enrique, Alberto, Francisco José, and Jhon de Jesús; her sisters, María Elena, Ester, Edelmira, Martha Lucia, Ligia María, and Erika Yamile; and her grandson, Thomas M. Bruske.

Querida madre, abuela, hermana, y amiga. Tu luz sequirá guiando nuestro camino, hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar.

On Maria’s 80th birthday, August 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., a memorial service in her honor will be held at Fountain Valley Baptist Church, 500 W Alabama Avenue, Fountain, CO 80817.

Maria and her family are in the care of Memorial Gardens Funeral Services at 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.