Maria Maggiorino Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Maria Maggiorino, Age 86, resident of Macomb Township, and formerly of Warren. passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021, in Clinton Township, Michigan. born December 8, 1934, in Caripito, Venezuela. She was the matriarch of our family and will be deeply missed. She was truly a unique, wonderful person who overcame so much in her lifetime with a positive "don't give up" attitude. She was tough and feisty yet so incredibly sweet and beautiful. Our Dad (Pa) moved from Italy to Venezuela where he met our mother. Mom and Dad along with our sister Laura Lenk move to the United States for a better life but Mom didn't like it. Mom missed her family and took Laura for a visit. Her Dad, Senior Zapata, told Mom she should return to the U.S. with Laura and Del to be with her husband and embrace a new life. She returned and learned to speak Italian so she could speak with our Dad's family and friends. She had our sister Linda Vereeke and me and convinced our Dad to buy a house in Warren rather than continue to rent a flat in Detroit. We moved to that house where she lived for 40 years until 2002 when she bought a condo, in Macomb. Our Dad and Mom spoke Spanish and Italian and we responded in English. And soon they too spoke English. Mom then worked on obtaining her driver's license which was important for her to be an independent, American woman. Our brother Tony was born and passed away 8 months later. Approximately 2 and a half years later our Dad passed away from lung cancer at the age of 42. Mom was widowed at 36 years old with 4 children (15 and under) without life insurance or savings. 2 weeks later she got her first U.S. job working at our family doctors office. This led to a career in the medical field where she eventually worked for Beaumont Hospital for 30+ years before retiring. At Beaumont, she met her "work" family and remained close with those friends. Many, many laughs and parties with this group! During those years she has several surgeries and also battled breast cancer always pushing forward with a positive attitude. She was determined to become an American citizen. She and Del attended classes and became naturalized citizens together. She was proud of this accomplishment. She always told us we lived in the greatest county in the world. She also told us there wasn't anything we couldn't do or be if we put in the effort. Just after retiring, Mom was in a terrible accident in 2001 and we were lucky she survived. She was in the hospital for months with many broken and shattered bones on her left side of her body. Her pelvis was broken in 3 places along with a shattered wrist which delayed her rehab and came home in a wheelchair. Doctors weren't sure she would ever walk again but she proved them wrong with her determination and positive thinking. She resumed her life and met a new group of friends during rehabilitation at the Warren Pool. Mom brought us up to be respectful to everyone we met regardless of race, color, nationality or religion. She told us to treat people as you would like to be treated and she led by example. Mom brought our Grandma (Abuela) here to visit several times so we could get to know her. She spoke to us like adults sharing her philosophies on life and love. She loved us and we loved her! So grateful to Mom for allowing us the honor to know her mother, sisters, brothers and extended family. We remember the times when the family visited and how much dancing and laughter we shared. We cherish those memories!. There was always a meal to be had for Mom loved to cook. Loved to show anyone how to make her Venezuelan and Italian dishes. She was not only Mom to us but she took everyone we knew and loved into her home and heart as additional "children". She loved to hang out with friends and had groups of them everywhere. They exercised, lunched, played cards, travelled and shopped. My mom loved to go to garage sales and shared that love with all of us and her grandkids. She was a great listener and would provide sound advice. We all spoke to her almost every single day sometimes multiple times a day. You may not be aware that my Mom had dementia that affected her these last 3 years. This was the hardest challenge she had as this fiercely independent, strong woman lost the ability to do it on her own. Many people may have wondered why she didn't call them or return calls and it was because she either didn't remember they had called to eventually being unable to dial the phone without assistance. We enrolled her in senior classes and eventually assisted living so she could remain somewhat independent. Once again she made new friends and encouraged them to participate, especially getting them to dance. There wasn't a time we needed her that she wasn't by our side supporting our family. She was Mom and Dad...Grandma and Grampa...and was so proud of her family. 2 weeks ago Mom fell and broke her hip and had surgery to replace it. Initially thinking she would rehab again and get back up and going as she always did. However, the pain along with advanced dementia made it hard for her to move. We all took turns being with her day and night including the grandkids. The staff at Henry Ford unit 43 were outstanding. So much compassion and care not only for Mom and us... We will be forever grateful to those nurses doctors and staff. We know she didn't want to leave us. We didn't want her to leave but find some comfort that she is no longer suffering and at peace. She was the most incredible person we've ever known. She made us believe that anything was possible. So grateful for FaceBook which has allowed us to remain close to Mom's family in Venezuela. She loved our video calls on Messenger and was amazed at the technology that would allow her to see her sisters and talk as if they were right in the same room together. We appreciate our Maggiorino family for their love and support. We know how much you loved her. (Love you guys!) To the rest of our extended families, friends and employers...we thank you for all the prayers and support. Can't imagine not hearing her voice again. We are going to miss our Mamacita! Love you so! Beloved wife of the late Uriso Maggiorino. Loving mother of Laura Lenk, Edelis "Del" (Randy) Stukel, Linda Vereeke, Shirley (Ken) Reifert, and the late Antonio Maggiorino. Proud grandmother of Leah Lenk, Noah Lenk, Amanda Stukel, Jacob Hoyt, Devin Stukel, Ian Reifert, and Lauren Reifert. Dear great-grandmother of Naomi, and Noah Jr.. Dear Sister of Ana Palacios Hernandez, Elba Zapata Hernandez, Rosa Zapata Hernandez, Doris Zapata Hernandez, Alfredo Zapata Hernandez, Gladys Zapata Hernandez, Wilma Zapata Hernandez, and the late Humberto Zapata Hernandez.. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and family around the world. **Due to COVID-19, and in accordance with CDC recommendations and the Governor's Executive Orders, please be advised that the funeral home is limited to 25 people in the visitation/service room at any given time, please be mindful of your time at the funeral home as there may be others that may be waiting to pay their respects. Also, masks are required to enter the building Visitation at the Wm Sullivan and Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica Tuesday, February 9, from 2 pm until of funeral service 7 pm, the funeral services will be live-streamed, a link will be posted to the website prior to the start of the services. Interment Cadillac Memorial Gardens East Cemetery Clinton Township, Michigan. Please share a memory at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com

Maria Maggiorino

December 8, 1934 - February 6, 2021