Maria Pargas

It is with profound sadness, but also with faith and hope in our Lord, that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished family member, Maria Leisla Pargas, who entered eternal rest on July 26, 2026, at the age of 89.

Maria was born on May 17, 1937, in Santiago, Cuba.  She was the widow of Gulmardo Pargas, with whom she shared a life of faith and perseverance.

She carried with her the strength, resilience, and deep love for family that defined her life. In 1970, she made the courageous journey to the United States to flee communism and create a better life for her children. Through sacrifice, courage, and unwavering determination, she embraced the American Dream and built a life centered on family, faith, and love.

Maria was the heart and foundation of her family. She was a woman of great strength whose greatest joy was her children and the family she built. She raised her children with strong morals, dignity, compassion, and faith. The fruits of her life can be seen in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — each carrying a reflection of her strength, grace, and love.

Maria had a special gift for nurturing life in every form. She loved gardening, especially her flowers and roses, and everything she planted seemed to bloom under her care. She also shared her love through her kitchen, preparing wonderful Cuban dishes and passing down cherished family traditions that will continue for generations.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Maria trusted in God throughout her life. Even during times of hardship, she held onto the promise of Christ’s love and the hope of eternal life. We find comfort knowing that she has been welcomed into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father, where she is free from suffering and reunited with those who went before her.

Maria’s final months were marked by incredible strength and courage as she faced her illness. Surrounded by the love, prayers, and devotion of her family, she remained a beloved mother whose presence touched the lives of all who knew her.

Maria was preceded in death by her beloved sons: Jose Pargas & Rolando Pargas

She leaves behind memories that will forever be treasured by her loving children: Amanda Pargas, Miriam Ferreira, Ileana Botelho & Gulmar Parga. Her sons-in-law: Joe Ferreira & Joe Botelho. Her daughter-in-law: Denise Parga. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Alisia Pargas, Alex Pargas, Ava Botelho, Ana Carmon, Ethan Botelho & Julia Parga. Her grandchildren-in-law: Ashley Pargas, Rosie Botelho & Nathaniel Carmon. And her adored great-grandchildren: Felix Pargas, Sophie Pargas, Finn Oliver Botelho & Maximilian Carmon.

Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we are grateful for the gift of her life, her love, her sacrifices, and the many lessons she gave us. Her legacy will live on in every life she touched, every tradition she passed down, and every prayer spoken in her memory.

May her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
May perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest eternally in the presence of our Lord.

Amen.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
— John 11:25

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4

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