Maria Amelia Oteiza, of Midland, Texas, passed away on December 14, 2023, at the age of 92. She was born on May 28, 1931, in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, to her loving parents Augusto Colon Rivera and Rosaura Rodriguez Maldonado. Maria was proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and held onto her roots dearly throughout herContinue Reading
Maria Amelia Oteiza, of Midland, Texas, passed away on December 14, 2023, at the age of 92. She was born on May 28, 1931, in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, to her loving parents Augusto Colon Rivera and Rosaura Rodriguez Maldonado. Maria was proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and held onto her roots dearly throughout her life.
Maria led a fulfilling life, achieving great success in her career as a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Dietitian (RD/LD). Upon graduating from High School in Coamo, Puerto Rico, Maria pursued higher education at Radford College in Virginia. In 1953, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, laying the foundation for her career. Her dedication and expertise led her to work in various renowned hospitals across the United States, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City, Navy Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia, Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, and Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. Maria’s final years of service were dedicated to Breckenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas, where she retired in October 1995.
Maria’s passions extended beyond her professional life. She had a talent for sewing, particularly enjoying needlepoint and crocheting. She delighted her loved ones with her culinary skills, spending hours in the kitchen baking and cooking delicious meals. Maria’s enthusiasm was contagious, and she often gathered her family together to watch ladies’ college sports, with volleyball being her favorite. As a loyal fan, she cherished cheering on the Texas Longhorns football team and closely followed their victories and triumphs. Maria also found solace in her faith as a devout Catholic, finding strength and comfort through her prayers.
Above all, Maria treasured the time spent with her family, and she had a special bond with her granddaughter, Alicia. Her warmth, love, and laughter lightened up every room she entered. She had a knack for finding humor in life and often chuckled about her small-town origins, playfully referring to herself as a “hillbilly.” Maria’s love for Easter, warm weather, her care for pets, especially dogs, and her guilty pleasure of watching the Food Network brought her immeasurable joy.
Maria Amelia Oteiza was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wallace Oteiza, her father Augusto Colon Rivera, and her mother Rosaura Rodriguez Maldonado. She leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy. Maria is survived by her devoted son, Wallace Oteiza Jr., of Midland, Texas, her loving son George Oteiza, also of Midland, Texas, her adoring daughter Penny Oteiza-Surratt and son-in-law David Surratt, residing in Palmer, Texas, and her beloved granddaughter Alicia Surratt, also of Dallas, Texas.
A Funeral Mass for Maria will be celebrated at San Pedro Marti Catholic Church in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico at a later date. The Rite of Committal and burial will be held at the National Cemetery in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the condolences and support received during this difficult time.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
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