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BORN
1960
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Maria Zaayman Obituary
1960-2015
"On June 9, 2015, Maria Victoria Zaayman passed away after a courageous five year battle against Glioblastoma. She is survived by her husband Johan Heinrich Zaayman, son Johan Emilio, daughter Toni Louisa, mother Thusnelda Valdes, sister Cecilia Valdes and brothers Luis and Ignacio Valdes in addition to numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. She is preceded in death by her father, Dr Luis G Valdes.
Maria was born in Havana, Cuba in 1960 and will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, caring daughter, sibling and loyal friend. After moving to the US with her parents in 1961, her early life was spent in Miami, Florida; Dublin, Georgia, Nashville, Tennessee, and Houston, Texas. She graduated from Mt Carmel High School and University of St Thomas Nursing School, Houston, Texas obtaining her BSN degree with honors and a state teaching certification.
As her family and friends can attest, Maria had a passion for helping others. She was a pediatric nurse at Texas Children's Hospital and later taught 3rd grade at St Augustine Catholic School and was a substitute teacher at St Anne's Catholic School, both in Houston, Texas.
Maria lived a varied and remarkable life experiencing many adventures. After marrying Johan in Houston in 1992, they settled in his home town of Pretoria, South Africa. In 1994 they moved to New Delhi, India for Johan's work as a South African diplomat representing the world's newest democracy at the time, in the world's most populous democracy. While in India, Maria embraced this new experience serving as President of the "African Ladies Diplomatic Number Two's". In 1998, they returned to Houston, along with their son Emilio (born 1994) and daughter Toni (born 1997).
The last five years have been a rewarding yet challenging time for Maria. Even during her treatment for the brain tumor, she always made time for her family and friends. She focused on living and bringing joy to those around her. She placed all her energies on preparing her two children to succeed in life. This was realized earlier this year when Toni graduated from Lamar High School in Houston and Emilio from a preparatory college program at Houston Community College.
A memorial service celebrating Maria's life will be held on June 11 between 6-8 pm at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX, 77023. A Funeral Mass will be held on June 12 at 1 pm at St Theresa's Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell St. Houston, 77007."
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Memories and Condolences
for Maria Zaayman
Sponsored by Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale.
Beth Papasakelariou
June 25, 2015
I remember dear Maria from nursing school at the University of St. Thomas. She was a bright student with such a beautiful smile. She was the ideal professional nurse. Sending my prayers and deepest sympathy to her family.
Rosalie Samperi
June 20, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful lady. I remember just how special she was to work with. My prayers for the family.
June 19, 2015
Dear Nelda and family of Maria, We were heartbroken to hear of Maria's death. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers. With love, Julie & Jorge de la Torre
Ronda Summerlin
June 15, 2015
I pray that God may give you strength. What a beautiful life she lead. Bless your family.
June 13, 2015
I remember Maria when she would substitute at St. Anne. She would always add her own touch to the plans for the day in teaching them to make beautiful origami swans. There is a Japanese myth that claims one may make a wish when one has made 1,000 swans. Perhaps Maria was hoping on this miracle. God has now granted her soul eternal rest,I pray that may He now envelop her beloved family in His Love. - Laly Rodriguez
Teresa Hurst
June 13, 2015
Johan -- What a beautifully written tribute to Maria. And what an amazing life! James and I are so sorry for your loss.
June 12, 2015
Querida Tatica: Estas pasando por el "dolor de los dolores", no estamos preparados para perder una hija o hijo. Ya Luis la recibio en el cielo y eso debe consolarte y esta con Dios y la Virgen. Ellos son los unicos que pueden ayudarte a llevar esta cruz que hacem ucho tiempo veias venir aunque con un poco de esperanza. No pude ir a la misa como queria por estar enferma pero quiero que sepas que estas en mis oraciones, en mi corazon.Fuimos a la boda de Maria y Johan y lucia tan linda y feliz!
No hay palabras para poderte ayudar como quisiera, resultan vacias e ineficaces, parecen un estribillo que aprendemos de chiquitos y repetimos muchas veces.
recibe todo el carino en un fuerte abrazo,
Tania Ascanio vda. de Smith
Susan Collins
June 12, 2015
I have had the privilege of knowing Maria and Emilio, over the last year. Emilio, is learning how to drive through the company that I work for.
Maria, was one of the most kind and generous individuals, that I have ever met.
Being able to sit down and talk with her about the love she has for her children, and the lengths that she took to care for them, left me speechless.
Thank you for sharing your wife and mother with me.
She has touched my heart so very much.
Fly High, Sweet Maria, Fly High!
Phyllis Aguilar
June 12, 2015
Dear Ms Nelda Valdes my deepest condolences to you and the family, I remember Maria as always having a caring spirit. God bless you and your family .
Pam Hopf
June 12, 2015
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I'll always remember her wonderful smile and kindness.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 12, 2015
Johan, I am so sorry to hear about
Maria's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Sarah Colleti
Dana Milburn
June 12, 2015
I had the pleasure of growing up with Maria as a child in Meadowcreek, such a sweet girl. Over the years we reconnected and were neighbors as adults,oh what a beautiful, smiling and giving person she was. I know a lot of lives have been touched by her smile and kindness. My prayers are with her beautiful family, may God comfort you all.
Amy Schmidt
June 12, 2015
We were so blessed at St. Anne Catholic School to have known Maria. She was one of our absolute favorite substitute teachers. The kids and the faculty truly admired and respected her, as she was so kind and engaged in the classroom. She will truly be missed, and we will all keep her in our prayers.
Courtneye Barrett
June 12, 2015
Johan, I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds as though you and Maria had a wonderful life together, with many adventures. I will pray for comfort and peace for you and your children as you grieve her passing.
Annette Botas-Rock
June 12, 2015
I remember Maria as a beautiful, passionate woman who always had a smile and loved her family deeply. Our prayers are with Johan, Emilio, Toni, and her family during this difficult time.
Mike Reed
June 12, 2015
Johan, Although I did not know Maria, I believe that she must have been a strong and courageous person. She must loaned you some of that strength, for I saw you show up show up to work everyday upbeat, caring and helpful, despite what was going on in your personal life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Donald Wilkins
June 11, 2015
Maria was a wonderful person, I will forever remember her from Texas children hospital, my prayers are with the family during this time
Laura Clay
June 11, 2015
I will ALWAYS REMEMBER the lots of fun times we all shared with Maria in high school and after that. What a blessed family to have had such a special person in their life. I am so sorry about her passing and hope everyone finds peace in the months ahead. I prayed for Maria and her entire family through her illness wishing and hoping she wouldn't suffer anymore. She will surely be missed and she was SUCH a special person that a lot of people really loved and will miss terribly. God Bless !!!
Mary Gooch Davitt
June 11, 2015
For yesterday was a better day because of her, and today wasn't quite the same. But know that tomorrow there will be joy, just for having known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jorge Ferragut
June 11, 2015
Casa Cuba le rinde honores al llegar el final de su jornada por la vida del lado de los que aman y construyen como su padre y transmite a toda su familia nuestras condolencias. Que duerma en la Paz del Señor!
Casa Cuba of Houston show our deepest condolences to the family Zaayman-Valdés, now that María Victoria has finished her journey for the life, in the side of people who love and build as her father. Rest in the Peace of the Lord!!! Amén.
Chris Normyle
June 11, 2015
Johan and family, you will be in our prayers. Times are tough, but celebrate life.
Chris Normyle
June 11, 2015
Johan and family..you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Tough times, but celebrate a liife.
June 11, 2015
My sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with Johan
Maria Stein
June 11, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Zaayman-Valdes family. Maria: I will always remember your sweet smile.
MARICELA MARTINEZ
June 11, 2015
QUERIDA FAMILIA VALDEZ & ZAAYMAN MIS CONDOLENCIAS PARA TODOS USTEDES, MARIA ESTA EN UN MEJOR LUGAR . SOLO QUE DEJO UN GRAN VACIO EN EL CORAZON , A TODAS LAS PERSONAS QUE LA QUERIAMOS NUNCA OLVIDAREMOS SU MIRADA TAN DULCE Y SU VOZ TAN SUAVE DIOS LA TENGA EN LA GLORIA. MARICELA .
Natalie Sanders
June 11, 2015
Dear Maria
You fought the good fight
I admire your courage in life and addressing death
I will miss you my friend
I hope you are so happy in the next dimension
Natalie garner sanders
Lynne Buchanan
June 11, 2015
Johan, my deepest sympathies for you and your family. I always enjoyed visiting with Maria during our SLT dinners and get-togethers. Her care for others, experiences and love of life, and her courage made her a bright light and inspiration. May your cherished memories bring you comfort.
June 11, 2015
I am remembering Maria as my tireless co-worker at Patterson Elementary in the PTA. She was the most positive force with which I could have been blessed.
To Toni and Emilio--Your mother always spoke of you doing great things in life. I know you will.
My daughters Terese and Clare and husband John send our sincerest thoughts and prayers of sympathy to Johan, Emilio and Toni.
Virginia Furstenberg
Houston,Texas
Melanie Mays
June 11, 2015
The world has lost a very precious woman. I was so impressed by her bravery and optimism. I love how inquisitive and intelligent she was. I am so sorry that she has gone. May her memories be a comfort to you in the coming days.
Randy Beaman
June 11, 2015
Was so sorry to hear about Maria's passing. I grew up with her family in Meadow Creek and attended school with them for several years. I had not seen her in several years but ran into her at Texas Children's Hospital when my oldest son was in for surgery. I have always appreciated the care she gave him as his nurse. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Teresa Covington
June 11, 2015
Words seem inadequate to express my thoughts to you Johan and your family on Maria's passing. You have all demonstrated courage and love in face of adversity and we can all learn from that. Our Unocal gals also send along their love and thoughts.
June 11, 2015
Querita Tatica: Contigo en pensamiento y en oración enviándote nuestras más sinceras condolencias y nuestros deseos de paz y amor. Ya María está en la presencia divina, en un lugar mucho mejor que el nuestro. Un abrazo, Inés Anido y Gary Brunner, su esposo.
Janine Witte
June 11, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, I remember Maria in cadettes at Mt Carmel as a sweet and happy person who was motherly to us younger cadettes. She was so tolerant of our crazy behavior on the bus trips to football games. I can still see her beautiful smiling face. Your family will be in my prayers.
Janine Witte Dubcak class of 81
Maria Grana
June 11, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss.
Mare Petras
June 11, 2015
I have not seen Maria since high school, but clearly she never lost her authentic vivacious spirit -- even with death looming at her doorstep. To her husband, children, mother, siblings, and lifelong friends, I am sincerely sorry for your great loss.
Tanya Dominguez
June 11, 2015
Maria, you touched my heart from the moment I met you. Rest in peace in our loving Father's arms my sister in Christ.
Eddy & Shirley PonceDeLeón
June 11, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
June 11, 2015
Dear family of Maria,
While I cannot join you for the memorial because I am out-of-the-country at the moment, I wanted to write and tell you what wonderful, happy and very joyful memories of Maria I have from our high school years at Mt. Carmel High School and the University of St. Thomas! I remember her primarily from the Cadettes. She was younger than I and in my younger sister Laura's class. However, she was constant fun with a great smile and such a happy spirit! I always see her with that smile over the years when I think of her. My sister Laura had told me of Maria's diagnosis and recently of her move to hospice care. Throughout these past years and now in the year ahead, all of you will be remembered in my daily prayer during this time of transition and grief. May the spirit of Maria, your mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend be with you now and in the days ahead. God bless each of you. Celia Clay
Carolyn Patlovany Skurla
June 11, 2015
So sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathy for her family.
Joan Gilliland
June 11, 2015
Johan and Family,
I had the privilege of meeting Maria and praying with her on the ACTS Retreat last year. I remember most the love she had for her husband, son and daughter. I also remember the courage she expressed as she faced her future. Love to you all, especially my friends Nelda and Ignacio.
Joan Gilliland
Angela Moscarelli
June 10, 2015
My sincere condolences to all of Maria's family. I will always remember her as a tower of strength and lots of wisdom even at a young age. I met her in our freshman year at Mt Carmel high school. Always a pleasure to be around. Farewell my dear friend.
Niel Golightly
June 10, 2015
With deepest sympathy and profound respect for Maria, Johan and their entire family. They have been a model of courage and dignity for their friends and colleagues.
Reina Taibo
June 10, 2015
Please accept our condolences.
Reina R. Taibo & Family
Vinod, Deepa and Carissa Nair
June 10, 2015
Maria...your presence touched our lives in many ways....you will live on in our memories and in our hearts....
Johan, Emilio and Tony...: please accept our deepest condolences...
Judith McKenna
June 10, 2015
I loved teaching her children Emilio and Toni. She had a great love of Christ and this showed through her family and herself.Peace Judith McKenna
Susan Peterson
June 10, 2015
My friendship with Maria began when she helped me out after I had given birth and couldn't walk due to complications. She was always so giving, positive, and devout in her faith and to her family. My family will miss her laugh, her creativity and fearlessness.
Lysette Almansa
June 10, 2015
I will miss Maria very much. I always looked forward to seeing her when she would visit Miami. She was such a happy, sweet person. My condolences to her family. I am so happy I went to Cecilia's wedding and got to see her one last time. She was very happy and energetic and that is how I will always remember her.
Tony Almansa
June 10, 2015
Please accept my sympathy
June 10, 2015
I had the delight to meet Maria in India where she was posted with her husband who worked for the South African High Commission. We lived nearby and I quickly became good friends with her husband Johan. My wife Wanda and Maris travelled to Singapore together on a girls trip while Johan and I took care of the babies. We left India a year before they moved and then settled in Texas where we visited them. My heart goes out to Johan and the family. We were fortunate to reconnect via Facebook but alas we did not realize that Maria had taken very ill at the end. She is surely one of the finest persons that I have known and I hope that her spirit looks down at us and comforts our wounds.
Michael Clingan
June 10, 2015
Johan, my sincere condolences for your and your family's loss. While I did not have the pleasure of knowing Maria, she must have been an incredible person based on her obituary and knowing the thoughtful man she married.
I hope you take comfort that Maria is in a better place and that you'll be reunited when the time is right. For now, I'm sure she would want you to celebrate her life and the time she had here - with you, your families and friends.
Charlotte (Warren) Permetti
June 10, 2015
I was a couple of years behind Maria in nursing school. She was a true upper class man a beacon of light, full of energy and humor!
Showing 1 - 51 of 51 results
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Jun
11
Memorial service
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023
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