Maria Betancourt, was born in Balboa, Panama. Marie came to this country at a young age to pursue her college degree at Tampa College. It was then that she would meet, Roy, the love of her life. We all remember fondly how the stories they would tell of her playing ‘hard to get’ always put a huge smile on both their faces! Throughout the 60’s and 70’s, Marie was a constant presence at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where she was always in the lunchroom to greet us and all our classmates with a meal and a smile. Throughout the years, she developed a strong ‘relationship’ with water aerobics, sudoku puzzles, game shows and especially dark chocolate!
Marie passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, and is preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy Betancourt. She leaves behind her adoring children Jerry Betancourt and wife Yolanda, Charlene Welch, and Margie Luciene and husband John, her grandchildren Michael, Lauren, Jeremy, Sophia and six great grandchildren, all whom she dearly loved.
Maria’s family asks that she be remembered for her sharp wit, generosity and the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 4518 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, on June 29, 2026, from 10:30am to 11:30am.
A Family Graveside Service will take place at Garden Of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa, on June 29, 2026, at 1:00pm.
