Noelita M. Maldeis

Noelita Mildred Maldeis, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, surrounded by family. Known for her kind, loving, caring and humorous personality, her passing follows a long and difficult health battle.

Lita was born on February 11, 1956, to parents Dr. Hugo A. Cabrera and Mildred Van Overen Cabrera. She was the sixth child in a family of eleven children, and had the privilege of growing up surrounded by her large family. As a young girl, Lita loved sports of any kind- skiing, swimming, running and tennis. After graduating from Upper Arlington High School, she had her son, Jason Burke, and spent a few years living in New Orleans and Florida. Upon returning to Columbus, she met and married the love of her life, Robert Maldeis, and they enjoyed 37 years together.

Lita’s life was far from an easy one, but her indomitable spirit, strength, and optimism are her legacy. She thrived when she was spending time and nurturing relationships with the many people she loved. She found joy every day in gardening, listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks with Bob and their dog Ginger. Lita cherished spending time with her son, grandsons, neighbors, family, and friends. She was passionate about interior design, regularly redecorating her home and staying on top of trends. She kept lifelong friendships, and had an incredible knack for finding the perfect gifts for her loved ones. She was the strongest woman any of us had the privilege to get to know and love, and the world is a little less vibrant now that she has left.

She is survived by her husband Bob, her son Jason Burke (Ali Wade and son Lucas Lang), her grandson David Romano (Christy), siblings Fran Cabrera, Jeami Cabrera, Mary Cabrera (Rich Bishop), Tish Cabrera (Donald Riggenbach), Michael Cabrera, Paul Cabrera (Cindy Whitmire), Margaret Cabrera (Ken Sampson), and Kate Albers (Jim). She is also survived by 37 nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends, including lifelong friend Sallie Zimmerman. Lita was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Hugo Jr. and John C. Cabrera.

Lita lived her life always giving her all, and left this Earth wishing the best for those of us who remain behind. She took great comfort in her faith, and while we mourn our loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life on Friday, October 18 from 4-7pm at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221

Anyone who wishes to donate in Noelita’s memory may do so to:

American Diabetes Association

Diabetes Research, Education, Advocacy

P.O. Box 7023

Merrifield, VA 22116-7023

Mail all checks payable to American Diabetes Association

Please print and complete the requested form to send a memorial gift by mail

or go to: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://diabetes.org__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!OiMUCOOHBE5YUyjjpkYqKOtY4dGJ0HlEcaxIy4zvRypbFBleAajdf9QyYxza3gdbgh1ioRpf9K_gpUI8BtyPjXMDQw$[diabetes[.]org] to donate online