Maria Oralia Guillen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Oralia Guillen, a cherished mother, grandmother, and beloved member of our community. Maria peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 27, 2024, at the age of 79. She was born on February 20, 1945, in Guatemala.

Maria was a woman of profound faith, kindness, and resilience. As a devout Catholic, she lived her life grounded in love, compassion, and service to others. Her unwavering devotion to her family and her church was at the core of her being. Maria’s warmth, generosity, and quiet strength touched the lives of all who knew her. She found great joy in the company of her children, grandchildren, and extended family, and her home was always a place of comfort, laughter, and love.

She was the proud mother of four children—Julio Guillen, Monica Mehaffie, Ricardo Guillen, and Joe Guillen—whom she raised with great love and devotion. Maria’s legacy also lives on through her ten grandchildren—Dylan Guillen, Zoe Guillen, Paolo Guillen, Gabriella Mehaffie, Adriana Mehaffie, Carolina Mehaffie, Natalia Mehaffie, Mateo Guillen, Rex Guillen, and Owen Guillen—whom she adored. As a mother and grandmother, Maria was a guiding light, offering wisdom, support, and unconditional love to each of her family members.

A Mass will be celebrated in honor of Maria’s life on Friday, January 3rd at 10 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 631 State Street, New Orleans, LA 70118. Family and friends are invited to join in this solemn occasion of remembrance and prayer. The family plans also a burial mass after the Christmas Season and a burial in her hometown in Guatemala.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Francis of Assisi Church online at https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/ncs-1824, for Maria loved her Catholic faith.

Maria Oralia Guillen will be remembered for her deep faith in Jesus and the Blessed Mother, her love for her family, and the kindness she shared with everyone she met. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who love her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the eternal light of God’s love.