Maria Elena Spina was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world peacefully in her sleep following a valiant battle with cancer on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the age of 78.
She was born to Arturo Medina and Filomena Ortiz on Sept 4, 1944, in Tela, Honduras. The second of 14 children, Maria shared a full life with her siblings Anibal, Cristina, Luis, Oscar, Mara, Rebecca, Sergio, Griselda, Veronica, Sandra, Susie, Felix, and Angelina. She pursued her dream to live in the United States eventually becoming a citizen in 1979. Maria is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Luis Spina and her four children: Steve, Leo, Laura Gonzalez and Eric Spina as well as her 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Maria loved spending time in the kitchen, creating her wonderful tamales, tortillas, and delicious meals for her family. Many holidays her children, relatives, and friends would eagerly await the amazing meals she would prepare alongside her sister Cristina, Aunt Anna, and cousin Nancy. She loved music, dancing, and her home was constantly filled with a variety of music from salsa, to “the oldies”, to her favorite singer Englebert Humperdinck. She was extremely active with her volunteer service at Saint Theresa of Avila Catholic Church.
A Funeral Mass for Maria will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 1:15 PM at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1404 Erato St., New Orleans, LA 70130. Following the Funeral Mass, visitation will be held from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie, Louisiana 70006.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Saint Theresa of Avila Catholic Church on her behalf.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com for the family.
