Maria Neal

Maria Julianna Neal with grace and tenacity at the young age of 67 unfortunately lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday September 18th, 2024. Surrounded by love and light she peacefully transcended this earth from the comfort of her home.

An unknowing but truly cherished gift was bestowed upon the world when Maria was born to the late Jess Felix Reyes, and Rose Marie Abeyta (Parrino) on September 14th, 1957, in Denver, Colorado. Being born in the Golden age of Capitalism to a family that came from poverty, shaped Maria’s formative years and resulted in frugality, adaptability, and networking. Maria dropped out of high school to obtain her G.E.D. and quickly entered the workforce to become a provider for her family. She considered herself a student of life, mostly self-educated in her pursuits. A self-taught legal aide, social worker, and notary public. Maria worked as an Outreach Case Coordinator for the Department of Human Services in the city and county of Denver for 27 years. Where her character was tested, daily. She developed courage, strength, and the passion to help others. In simple terms she was the epitome of selflessness. Maria was an activist, a philanthropist, and a servant to the community. “The old adage ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ seems outdated when it comes to Maria.” Paving a way for the unknowing and the unguided, she became a powerful voice for the voiceless.

What Maria was to her family, she was to many. She was a daughter, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother, a partner in crime, and most of all a friend. In a sense she was the definition of being human. There are no words, simple nor eloquent, that could truly bring her justice. A divine being with a heart of gold, Maria opened her arms, her heart, and her home to all who sought shelter. She would be the first in line offering a helping hand and the last to leave until the doors were closed. Maria never had the capacity to take credit where it was due. So, to speak of Maria was to know her, but to be loved by Maria was to be seen.

Maria’s legacy will live on through her three adult children David J. Reyes-Neal, Matthew A. Reyes-Neal, and Rose M. Reyes-Sanchez of Aurora, CO. She was blessed with the role of grandma to Davichi M. Parrino-Neal, Anthony X. Reyes, Karissa N. Reyes-Neal, Analiyah M. Reyes-Neal, and Ryleigh M. Reyes-Meza. Left with decades of adoring and vibrant memories are her siblings Gloria Soliz-Ruiz, Barbara R. Perales, John Abeyta, and a grandiose number of nephews and nieces unable to be listed. Maria is preceded in death by her son Jake M. Reyes-Neal, and her three siblings Lorraine (Torch) Domingez, Elaine Peters, and Casey Reyes.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at The Natural Funeral, 102 West Chester Street, Lafayette, Colorado 80026. The viewing may be viewed via Zoom by clicking here (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84556479159) .