Maria "Mary" Cuellar

Maria Caridad Alvarez Cuellar peacefully passed away on August 21, 2026. She was born on July 27, 1930, to Felipe and Ana (Anita) Alvarez in Tampa, Florida. Mary, to her friends and Merita to her family, grew up as an only child in Ybor City. She would go to the Italian and Hispanic neighborhoods to play with children her own age and was able to start school speaking three languages. Mary enjoyed school and proudly graduated from Phillip Shore Elementary, Hillsborough High School, and a local Tampa Business School. In Ybor City, the Cuban Club would hold weekly Tea Dances it was at one of these events that Mary met the love of her life Jose (Joe) Cuellar. They soon married, honeymooning in Cuba and began growing their family. Soon Mary, an only child, was happily picking up Joe from his swim meets, David from golf tournaments, Mary Lou from horse shows, and Charlene from her softball games.

In addition to their love of family, Mary and Joe loved his Alma Mater University of Florida’s football team, The Gators, Traveling, Dining plus any entertainment that would often be involved. Mary was a fantastic cook having taken cooking lessons from renown chef Jacques Pepin along with any other cooking classes she could attend. She was an amazing hostess from birthday parties, cocktail parties, family holiday dinners, to the Legendary Cuellar Girls Christmas Teas.

As their family grew so did their business, University Pharmacy, a Temple Terrace institution for over forty years. Joe used his pharmacy degree while Mary was the bookkeeper. Joe was a member of the Krewe of Sant’ Yago and Mary was a member of Las Damas de Sant’ Yago. She was also a member of Las Damas de Centro Asturiano where she’d enjoy playing bingo and having tea with her many friends. After Joe passed away Mary continued to travel with her friends and had traveled most of the United States including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. She visited much of Europe including: Spain, Portugal, England, Italy, and Germany to name a few.

Mary was predeceased by her parents Felipe and Anita Alvarez, her incredible husband Joe Cuellar, and beloved Daughter-In-Law Antionette Lombardi Cuellar. She is survived by her children: Joseph Steven (Rita) Cuellar, David Cuellar, Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo, and Charlene Cuellar-Sowers. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Scott Davis, Joseph Steven Cuellar Jr., Alexandra (Mark) Salamone, Alyssa (Zander) Raynal, Olivia Cuellar (Lexus), Andrew Stilo, Gabriella Stilo, and Juliana Sowers. Finally, she is survived by her long awaited and very much-loved Great grandchildren: Elena Salamone, Leo Salamone, and soon to be Big Sister Gianna Raynal to sibling to be announced later.

Special thanks and much appreciation go to the staff and carers at Memory Lane Cottage and the Hospice Teal Team.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Mary’s memory may made to Hospice Teal Team or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11:00AM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home @ Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Avenue Tampa, Florida. The family will receive friend one hour prior to the service at 10AM. Committal will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.