Maria Luisa Cojulun

In Loving Memory of Maria Cojulun Maria passed away at the age of 99 on 8/16/2024 after moving from NY to FL last year. Maria is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Liz). Born in Cuba in 1924 to her parents Manuel & Enriqueta De La Torre, Maria grew up to be strong, determined, curious and funny. She was always a protector and defender of her family from an early age and was one of 12 children (7 boys and 5 girls). Maria was the final survivor of all her siblings, and she had reached the highest age of all. In 1951, Maria bravely travelled to the U.S. (NYC) on a mission to work hard to help her family in Cuba. She stretched every dollar to send money back to her mother with extra at holiday times. In later years when her sister - Haydee & brothers – Jose & Efrain - travelled with their families to the US to live she made sure to help them too. Helping was always in her nature. Maria met her husband Gregorio, who had immigrated from Guatemala, at work and they set up their home in the Bronx. They worked hard to create their life together and later welcomed their daughter Elizabeth. Maria named her daughter after Queen Elizabeth II, determined to give her every opportunity that she didn’t have growing up. And that she did and then some! While living in the Bronx Maria began her lifelong (70 years) friendship & true sisterhood with her neighbor Luisa. She considered Luisa’s children – Frances & Eddy - her own too. Their families grew up together through the years and their bond continued after Luisa & her husband Ricardo moved their family to FL. Maria worked doing assembly work in various industries throughout her life as she was very good and fast at putting things together with her hands. Her daughter gave her a big red toolbox as she could easily fix things at home. Maria’s favorite place to be was home. There she could enjoy her love of cooking, baseball (watching Yankees & all teams), tennis (Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer were favorites), word search puzzles, scratch-off tix, game shows (Family Feud) and the news. When Elizabeth married in 1993 Maria gained a new son – Michael (Mikey). Their sense of humor, love of family & baseball bonded them closely together. Michael’s family embraced Maria as their own. When Michael passed away in 2014, she gave her daughter her support & strength to help her move forward with life. Just as she had moved forward after losing her own husband Gregorio in 1978. Maria remained young at heart her entire life with a smile and laugh that lit up her eyes & face. She will be deeply missed, and her life will be an example for all. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following: American Diabetes Association 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22202 https://www.diabetes.org For donations by mail: P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 7th at Palms West Funeral Home, Royal Palm Beach, FL.

Maria Luisa Cojulun

October 10, 1924 - August 16, 2024