Maritza Correa Lopez, age 68, of Orlando, FL passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020.
Born on October 20, 1951, in San Juan, Puerto Rico (U.S.A.), to the late Andres Correa & the late Celia M. Morales, both of whom she maintained a close relationships with.
Upon graduating with accolades from the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan Main Campus, in 1972, Maritza began a civil servant career which spanned twelve (12) years as she compassionately helped others in need at the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Department of Labor & Human Resources, and ending at the Department of Family Affairs, where she served as an Executive Director of the Human Resources Division.
On May 4, 1984, Maritza retired from state work and married a former co-employee, and her sweetheart, Jorge M. Lopez, starting the next phase of her life as a housewife in Metairie, and later Houma, Louisiana. On September 9, 1985, Maritza gave birth to a daughter, Carla G. Lopez (now Tusing). In August 1986, the young family left for Orlando, Florida where on May 23, 1987, Eric R. Lopez was born. Maritza gave her all and provided a livelihood for the family by working in department stores located at the Oviedo Mall, and the Fashion Square Mall.
In the late 90's, Maritza began a second career as civil servant with the University of Central Florida. At UCF she was promoted and became a Fiscal Assistant Supervisor, with the College of Education / Budget Office. In November 2014, Maritza retired for a second time from state work after having given everything she had to that institution of higher learning. Maritza was always proud and happy of the years spend at UCF, and her fellow employees gave her a great retirement party that she treasured.
Maritza was very fortunate that thru her life she was able to travel to the U.S.A., Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe and China/Japan. All her life, Maritza had a style that was colorful and vibrant. She always looked elegant, and Maritza knew how to make the holidays magical, and family centered. Maritza always decorated the family home so festive for each holiday. She always loved a good party and probably loved a bad one if it was still a party.
Maritza's life was defined by her devotion and compassion towards others, both in her careers and in her relationships with family and friends. In addition to spending time with her family, Maritza loved major league baseball (Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals), winter baseball (Cangrejeros de Santurce), movies (Forrest Gump, Grease), reading (John Grisham), and music (The Beatles, Elton John & Jose Jose). She greatly appreciated humor and was often quick to laugh. Maritza also loved to shop with her mother (Celia), and her children (Carla & Eric) when she had the opportunity to do so. Finally, she loved the smooth ride and ample space of her 2004 Nissan, Murano SL.
As Maritza is now serving as an Angel, (Benevolent intermediary between God and all of her loved ones), her surviving family, Husband Jorge M. Lopez of 36 years, daughter Carla G. Tusing, and spouse John Tusing, granddaughter Chloe Tusing, son Eric R. Lopez and spouse Samantha Lopez, surviving brother Hernando Correa and spouse Aixa Correa, and nephews Armando and Ricardo Correa, will strive to follow the wife, mom, grandmother, sister and aunt "godly circle of life".
In the End... The Love you take is equal to the Love you make...(The Beatles, Abbey Road Album).
Visitation is Saturday, August 15, 2020 from 10 am with a memorial / funeral service to be followed at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions – East Orlando Chapel, 895 S. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL 32822.
A graveside inurnment service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando on Saturday, November 28 at 1pm with Father Miguel Gonzalez (Rector, St. James Cathedral) officiating.
The family welcomes donations to Maritza's premier senior program which came to her aid when she became homebound, the Seniors First, Inc., "Meals on Wheels", 5395 LB McLeod Road, Orlando, FL 32811, Phone (407) 292-0177, Fax (407) 292-2773, and info@seniorsfirstinc.org.