Maria passed away on February 10 after a long battle with cancer. Born on April 11, 1950 to Giuseppe and Malvina Conte, Maria grew up in a traditional Italian household in the Morris Avenue section of the Bronx. For most of her career, she worked in the purchasing department of March of Dimes, where she formed friendships that have lasted for over 40 years.

With an always positive attitude, and a great big smile, Maria lived her life to the fullest. She loved traveling, dinners and outings with friends, and always enjoyed a quiet moment at home with a good book. Maria is survived by her sister Carolina, nieces and nephew, Luisa, Bess, and Domenic, her great-nephews, Anthony and Domenic, and childhood friends that have been by her side through the good and bad.