Maria Guadalupe Ortiz Vazquez, wife of the late Juan Vazquez passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024.

She was predeceased by her loving daughter Ana Julia, siblings, Isabel, Jose, Jesus, Santiago, Calixto, Rosa Marguerita and Luisa.  She is survived by her children Jose (Kathleen), Albert (Carmen) James (Denise), Frederick and William (Kathy).  Grandchildren John, Kelly, Nicholas, Anthony, Ernest, Joseph, Samuel and Maria and great grandchildren, Nyla, Alesia, Gracia, Zebulun, William and Catalina.  She is also survived by siblings, Lydia, Antonio, Elsa Dory, Ana Mercedes, Nilda, Olga and Rafael.

Maria was born on December 12, 1932, in Barranquitas Puerto Rico.  After graduating from high school, she wasted little time getting married, starting a family and moving to Bridgeport CT.  The family settled in Stratford, and it is here where Maria would raise her family.  She lost the love of her life Juan, way too early in life.  It was her faith that carried her, and she became the rock of her family.

Maria started working at St. Vincent's Hospital and became very active in the St. James community.  She was a Eucharist Minister for many years and along with her daughter Annie, was a member of the prayer shawl ministry.  She was a fixture at the St. James 4:30 Saturday mass and the family would like to express a sincere thank you to Lorraine Lopata who would often take Maria to church. Faith, Family and Friends were most important to her.  She kept things very simple, except for her cooking which became legendary.  There was nothing better than Sunday dinners at Beta's house, where you can smell her rice before you even entered the door.  During the holidays she would have an endless supply of Christmas cookies that everyone loved.  The little farm girl made everything fresh.   Along with her gentle and strong presence her cooking will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday September 3rd at 10:00 am meeting directly at St. James Church 2070 Main St. Stratford, CT. Interment will follow in St, Michael's Cemetery.

The family request that memorial contributions may be made to St. James Church 2070 Main St. Stratford, CT. 06615.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Adzima Funeral Home- Stratford.