Maricela Almanza Morales

Maricela Almanza Morales, a devoted mother, sister, and compassionate retired critical care nurse, a career which spanned 4 decades, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the age of 72. She joins her loving parents in heaven, Ana & Carlos Almanza and Salvador Hernandez, as well as her loving brother, John Almanza. She is survived by her cherished son, Desi Morales; her devoted sister, Mary Ann Ball-Llovera; her beloved grandchildren, Christian and Gabriel Morales; nephews Andrew and Matthew Ball—Llovera; daughter-in-law, Alexandra Morales; brother-in-law, Gus Ball-Llovera; and child by proxy and mischief, Benjamin Reyes. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those of us who knew and love her. She never checked off her bucket list an African Safari trip she dreamt of taking with her grandkids, but she sure brought home a sense of safari to our lives with her obstinate nature, a nature which in the end made her who she was and defines how she will be remembered. Her remarkable dedication and compassion touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed.

We were told she was “made” in New York, Brooklyn to be exact or maybe it was New Haven, Connecticut, where John was later born--abuela Ana never really told that story without some embellishment, the same way she told all her stories. We do know that regardless of where she was made, Maricela was born in Santa Clara, Cuba, on September 21, 1951—abuela Ana always wanted to give birth aside her own parents, even if it meant stripping the child of an American birth (that’s Cubans for you 😊). As a nurse, Maricela dedicated her life to caring for others, bringing comfort and healing to many—often opening Christmas presents in the morning, and by noon running to Mercy Hospital to save a life in the recovery room. Her selfless nature extended beyond her professional life, embodying a spirit of unwavering devotion and kindness. She was not one for many words, but her actions sure spoke loudly. She escaped the Miami projects, where she ended up at age 14, following the early passing of her father, and later escaped an abusive marriage at age 21, putting herself through nursing school, later using that career to transcend professional and financial barriers most nurses and some medical doctors even today rarely reach. She never let those negative experiences dictate her destiny negatively. This work ethic and survivalist mentality, was a tool she used as a single mom to motivate and prod her son—who needed all the motivation and prodding he could get--to escape the Miami ghetto unscathed. She unfortunately had to take on the traditional role of a father for her son, given a cowardly father would not even acknowledge the need for such a role. She did this without any support from the father, financial or otherwise. In fact, I would say it safe to say that because of Marcela, as we fondly referred to her, because no one could pronounce the proverbially Cuban name Maricela, 5 of us in our family are college-educated today, two of us lawyers—yes, 1 attorney each. Morales and Ball-llovera lawyers, who would have thunk? All some how, some way connected to her triumphs and tribulations or at least we would like to think so.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday July 28th, 2024, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm at Caballero Rivero Westchester. The family invites all who knew Maricela to join them in celebrating her life and legacy.

Maricela’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time.