Maria Luz Winkler

Maria Winkler, 65, passed away on Tuesday morning in Orlando, Florida. She was born on February 21, 1951 in Santander, Spain to Manuel Gutierrez and Maria Luz Gonzalez Cuerno.
Maria is survived by her daughter Michelle Winkler Milone; her sister Teresa Gutierrez; brother Angel Gutierrez; and four grandchildren: Justin Velez, Meghan Velez, Alyssa Milone and A.J. Milone.

Maria spent most of her life giving back to others as a missionary in Peru -- where she ran a non-profit organization that provided for under privileged children. Her hard work and dedication changed the lives of thousands of children by bringing medicine, education and religion to the impoverished region.

While her work with children was wide-spread, perhaps her most notable work was with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Maria's generosity knew no bounds with her grandchildren. She loved spoiling them with gifts and taking them on trips. Her two eldest grandchildren spent months with her in Peru where she took them on trips to the Rainforest. She spent years living in Pasadena, CA where she had many cherished friends and 2 elder grandchildren. She spent time living with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchild Alyssa outside of Philadelphia and was there for the birth of her youngest grandchild, A.J.. She developed a strong bond with the two younger grandchildren and moved to Florida recently to be closer to them. She saw them daily after school and always had special food and presents ready for their visits.

Maria will be painfully missed but never forgotten. As per her wishes, Maria's ashes will be spread in both San Francisco next to her husband and true love James Winkler, and in Spain, next to her beloved family who have already passed. Family and friends will celebrate and honor Maria's life in Spain at a later date.