Maria Dolores Rosario

Obituary for Maria Rosario
September 21, 1959 – January 18, 2025

Maria Rosario, age 65, passed away on January 18, 2025, after a courageous battle with a long illness. Born on September 21, 1959, in Puerto Rico to Maria Ramos and Roberto Rosario. In the early 1970s, she moved to New York City, where she built a life filled with love, generosity, and selfless devotion to others.

Maria was blessed with many siblings, whose names are too numerous to mention, but her love for them was boundless. As she grew, Maria created a family of her own, raising seven children: Gilberto (Myrna), Jessica (Heriberto), Franky (Maria), Santos (Melissa), Sandy (Julius), Glendaliz (Luis) and Maria. 

Known for her open heart and open door, Maria was always ready to offer shelter, comfort, and a warm meal to anyone in need. Her kitchen was a place of nourishment and love, where she cooked with a generosity that knew no bounds. She was affectionately called “Mommy” by many of the neighborhood children who spent countless hours in her home, always feeling safe and welcome.

A self-taught artist, Maria’s creative spirit was a gift she often downplayed. Among her most memorable works was a striking sketch of Jesus Christ, one that captured both her artistic talent and her belief in our faithful God. Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering ability to forgive were among the qualities that defined her. Maria had an extraordinary gift for seeing the best in people, especially those who were struggling. She was the person friends and family could always turn to in times of need, offering a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or whatever she had to give—even when it wasn’t much.

Though Maria never married, she shared a deep and lasting bond with the father of her children, Santos. Despite being separated for many years, their relationship, which includes Santos’ partner, Raquel remained special and enduring.

Maria leaves behind her seven children, 19 grandchildren—many of whom she helped raise and who lovingly called her "Mommy"—and a wide circle of friends and family who were blessed by her presence. She was a mother to many, a grandmother to all who needed one, and a friend to anyone who crossed her path. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved and cared for.

Maria is deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, love, and forgiveness will continue to inspire all who were touched by her gentle spirit.

A celebration of Maria’s life will be held on 1/23/25, 4pm-6pm and 1/24/25, 2pm-4pm at Downing Funeral Home, 1214 Wendy Court in Springhill, FL,. 

Grandchildren:

Kaitlyn Teto 

Gabriella Perez 

Elijah Justiniano 

Isaiah Justiniano

Aaliyah Justiniano

Jeremiah James

Delilah Robinson 

Angelina Velazquez

Luzy Velazquez

Alyssa Justiniano

Santos Justiniano IV 

Italia Justiniano

Vincenzo Justiniano

Demetrius Justiniano

Jocelyn Justiniano

Mariah Rivera 

Emmaliz Maldonado

Liam Maldonado 

Jayvion Maldonado  

Jessica 

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