Maria Luisa Correa

María Luisa Correa, affectionately known to all as "Marillita," passed away on April 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of grace, devotion, and a truly independent spirit. Born on September 4, 1931, in Cali, Colombia, Marillita’s life was an extraordinary journey that spanned continents and touched countless hearts.

At the young age of fifteen, Marillita showed immense courage by moving to the United States to serve as a nanny for the children of the Colombian Ambassador. While she originally intended for her stay to be a brief chapter, those two years evolved into a decade. When she eventually returned to Colombia and found that life had moved in a different direction, she met the change with remarkable strength and dignity. Choosing a path of independence, Marillita returned to America and dedicated her life entirely to the vocation she loved.

Though she did not have children of her own, Marillita became a maternal light to many. She poured her boundless affection and wisdom into every child she cared for, finding deep fulfillment in the families she helped shape. To Marillita, her work was never just a job; it was a lifelong calling performed with a depth of love that was felt by everyone she touched.

Central to Marillita’s life was her unwavering faith and her deep connection to her spiritual community at St. Matthew’s. She found great peace and purpose in her faith, most notably through her profound devotion to the Order of Saint Francis. Her life truly reflected the Franciscan values of humility, peace, and love for all living things.

Beyond her professional and spiritual life, Marillita was a woman of profound empathy and a "big heart." She was a rare soul who truly knew how to listen, making her a trusted confidante for anyone facing a struggle. To sit with her was to find a safe harbor; she could talk for hours, offering wise counsel and a steady presence that brought peace to those around her.

Marillita was more than just a good person—she was a beautiful soul whose wisdom and kindness will be deeply missed. Her memory lives on in the many lives she influenced and in the hearts of all who were blessed to call her a Friend.