Obituary of Maria Nunez

Just about a century ago (1922), Maria Nunez Salas was born is a small town in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. One of the youngest of nine, Maria was the last surviving sibling of her generation. As a young lady of 19, she married Antonio Nunez and went on to give birth to 15 children, which were all born at home with the mere help of a midwife. She was resilient, a hard worker, a team player, a pillar of the community, a loving wife and mother. As the saying goes "they don't make them like that anymore." Even as she was nine months pregnant, she worked in the farming fields alongside her husband with a smile and a constant song on her lips (she whistled). We labeled her a warrior, when one time my brothers got into trouble and were followed home by two strangers. As the conflict escalated, Maria was in the background collecting stones to make war and fight alongside her sons against the enemy. In 1970, as farming was too taxing for our aging father, the decision was made to migrate to New York. Maria's biggest concern for her children was the pursuit of higher education so that we may have a better future. In New York, Maria established a home and set her goals on educating the seven underage siblings that remained in the household. In order to help support her household in her advanced age, Maria dedicated herself and established a child daycare. She was so frugal and organized that we were all surprised that once when we had to move, she uncovered a shoe box where she had managed to save $20,000. Her loving guidance, perseverance and single-mindedness for success, lead all her children to set high goals and dreams about success and happiness. Her continuous support and ability to encourage us to achieve our goals was always just a phone call away. Not only was she loving and caring for her clan, Maria love and compassion reached other kids from the neighborhood that they decided to adopt her as their mom as well. Consequently, in a simple family holiday such as Easter or Mother's day, there were at least 60 people that congregated and were fed by Maria. She was devoted Catholic and was a parishioner of St. Peters Church in Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers for over forty two years. She enjoyed singing and was a member of the Choir. We lost our father twenty two years ago and never remarried but remained faithful to the loving memory of her husband. In 1998, we lost our beloved brother Samuel, whom she now has met in heaven.Throughout the years, the family has multiplied to include Forty grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. With Marias encouragement and emphasis on education, the family developed to include an accountant, doctor, real estate broker, reverend, computer analyst, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, telecommunication specialists, carpenters, teachers, administrators, plumbers, electricians, and many, many other professions. In 2006, our family was extended to Guatemala with the opening of an orphanage in honor of the legend of our family, and named after our departed brother, Samuel - Casa Samuel (a non profit sponsored by Jewels for the future Foundation). At age 84, Maria took an overseas trip to be present at the inauguration of the orphanage. To date, the orphanage provides housing and a loving environment to 56 children of all ages.Even thru her last days, Maria showed her feistiness by demanding the health staff to do as she wished. She showed an unbeatable spirit. Her mind was sharp and her story telling accurate. She died at 92 of natural causes; leaving behind a legacy. 'THE NUNEZ FAMILY --OUR LEGACY." In Memory of Our Mother, we would like any and all donations to be made to: Jewels for the Future Foundation 23 June Street Yonkers, NY 10710