Maria Adelaide Guttadauria

Born on November 6, 1946 in Paris, France, of Sicilian origin, Maria immigrated to the United States in 1950. She grew up in East Harlem, graduated from St John’s University and earned an MD from SUNY Downstate in 1971. She rose to Chief Medical Resident in 1974, and went on to specialize in rheumatology, becoming an Assistant Professor of Medicine and practicing at Kings County Hospital where she was beloved by her patients.

In 1983, Maria began a 20 year career at Pfizer International, leading teams working globally in support of the clinical development, regulatory approval, and marketing of pharmaceuticals including Feldene, Zoloft, and the blockbuster Lipitor. She later continued her work as a consultant, running clinical trials in support of drug development.

Maria was a deep lover and enthusiastic supporter of the arts, with a particular devotion to Broadway, and she made full use of all that was on offer in what she liked to call the center of the world: New York City. “Seen anything good lately?” was the opening to hours of wide-ranging conversation. She believed deeply in the dignity of every human being and treated people accordingly, with an open-hearted kindness that was neither showy nor conditional. A trusted counselor, she was always willing to listen and offer her particular brand of practical wisdom. She also had a green thumb to rival anyone’s - she never met a plant she couldn’t grow in her apartment overlooking the Hudson.

Maria is survived by her three children, David Ellman and his wife Christy; Michelle Oliveira and her husband Joseph; and Rachel Ellman; her grandson Ethan, son of David and Christy; and her sister, Clotilde Vezza. She was predeceased by her sister Evelina, whose memory she carried with her always.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the arts or nature organization of your choosing. Maria was a generous supporter of dozens, including the Entertainment Community Fund and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.