Search by Name

Search by Name

Maria LoPresto Obituary

Maria LoPresto
Norfolk - Maria Lynn LoPresto, 41, passed away April 5 2012 in Charlottesville, Va.

Maria is the daughter of the late Joseph F. & Marilyn S. LoPresto. Maria is survived by her brother, Daniel LoPresto, and her partner of 8 years, Paul Pearson. Maria also leaves her spoiled calico cat, Callie. In addition, Maria leaves several cousins and other relatives and friends in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Florida.

Maria was born in Williamstown, Mass. and grew up in the Newport News area of Virginia where she attended Warwick High School (class of 1988). Maria attended Old Dominion University, where she earned Bachelor's Degrees in both Political Science and Communications in August 2007. Maria then earned her Master's Degree in Public Administration in May 2011, also from Old Dominion University. Maria & Paul lived in the Willoughby Spit area of Norfolk Va.

Maria was very active in the Democratic political scene, and spent many long hours campaigning for causes that were near to her heart. She was also a devout Catholic, attending church regularly and earning the post of Eucharistic minister. Anyone who knows Maria also knows that she was a rabid Parrothead, traveling to countless performances throughout the country.

She was a friend to many and was always willing to help out, even putting others before herself.

A memorial service is being planned and a time and location will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to charity; some of her suggestions would be the Sierra Club, the American Red Cross, and the Save the Manatee Club.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Apr. 11, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Maria LoPresto

Not sure what to say?





Amy Morgan-Holllis

April 20, 2012

Ria the world will not be the same without you. God had another plan. I have some really great memories of our friendship. My heart aches for your family. I can say you were my friend and I was lucky to know you.

Phillip Hawkins, Jr.

April 17, 2012

Maria's spirit will always be with us as she always reached out to help others to improve our society.

May God bless and keep you in peace both now and always.

Dee Raulerson

April 16, 2012

Dan...............
I know I did not know your sister but I know you and my heart is breaking for you right now. I wish I could be there for you. Please look me up and get in touch, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Melissa Lloyd (Overman)

April 14, 2012

My heart breaks for the loss of such a sweet person. I only met her once, but she was so nice and fun to be around. God bless her family during this difficult time.

H.B. Croom

April 12, 2012

Maria...I am just in shock of your passing to be with the Lord. Your laugh will be with all of us for the rest of our days. Lots of Love for my Beaconsdale Buddy!

Laura Gaskins

April 12, 2012

Maria was an inspiration. Her laughter was infectious. She was a spitfire of positive energy, and a desire to change things for the better. I can honestly say that she changed my life for the better, and for that I will always be thankful. I will be thankful for the many gifts she has given me: joyful memories. I will remember her fondly, and thank the Lord everyday that he graced my life with her Maria-ness.

Jenny Alford Schmidt

April 12, 2012

My heart goes out to Dan and Paul as you mourn the loss of a remarkable woman. We had lots of fun times together. She made such an impact on so many people. She will be missed but will always be in our hearts.

Terri Jeter-Samuels

April 11, 2012

God has another Angel at his side... May God BLESS the family and Paul during this time.

Keith Garvin

April 11, 2012

Maria was in my Government class at Warwick High School. I have such great memories of her, and as I got to know her in recent years, I was very pleased that she shared my interest in politics and government. She accomplished a lot in her life, and I'm shocked and heartbroken that she has been taken from us at such a young age.

Beverly Hughes-Halder

April 11, 2012

Maria has been my life long friend...literally since we were babies as our dads worked together for many, many years. Although I have been in Atlanta for 20 years, we never lost touch. That is Maria. As I reread our texts, facebook messages and look through old pics, I know that she is with the Lord and that Joe and Marilyn are with her. I will see you again Maria. Just as you have always been with me...you always will. And I will still push you in HOT YOGA even in heaven!

Christie Newberry Ek

April 11, 2012

Dan and Paul, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Maria will be missed beyond words. I adored her smile and enthusiasm for life! I pray that those memories anchor you and bring you peace.

Kimberly Crawford-Lamm

April 11, 2012

Maria was a old school friend from Warwick High School, Class of '88. We recently reconnected on Facebook. You will be missed by many. RIP Maria. My thoughts and prayers to her family and close friends.

Shannon Washington

April 11, 2012

Having a friend through many of life's changes is a blessing...Ria is one of those blessings in my life. Her love of life was uncomparable. When I think of her laugh ..it will make me smile on those days where I need it most. I have been honored to have Ria as a friend for many many years. The last words I shared with her was the day before she passed preparing to go be with her Mom..I told her I loved her. I am thankful for having that chance. We are not promised tomorrow so cherish every moment with those that matter most! Heaven will be even brighter having my friend up there sharing her light..Rest in Peace my Ria....Love you forever!!!!

June Moore Barbrey

April 11, 2012

Dan and Paul - You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am fortunate enough to have grown up with Maria and spent many afternoons at her house when I should have been doing my homework! I was glad to have reconnected with her and several other friends recently. God bless and rest in peace Maria.

Jennifer (Barbour) Biller

April 11, 2012

Maria,
You lived a life that leaves others striving to be like you and missing your presence. May we all live lives that reflect HIM in this way. Rest in Peace.

Greg Millard

April 11, 2012

I am glad for the times we had together. Maria was a good friend and I will miss her very much. Words cannot express how I feel each day. My heart aches. We will see you again

Kim Millard

April 11, 2012

Ria ,who is one of my best friends is no longer with us. I know GOD has his plans for her as he does for each one of us. I will trust in the LORD and his will as he knows what is best for all.I will miss her everyday I'm on this earth . I just wish we had more time. but I'm so glad I got to speak to her the day before she passed away to tell her just how much I loved her and her mom . I pray she carried that with her in heart. Life will never be the same without her. I love you Ria.......

Samantha Linneman

April 11, 2012

I have so many great memories of Maria growing up in the same neighborhood. I enjoyed the fun we had in the band playing sax together. She was a very spirited young lady. I loved her passion whenever she was supporting a candidate or a cause. We will miss you Maria. RIP.

Amy Greene

April 11, 2012

Rest in peace Maria. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Elizabeth "Bet" and Stuart Cake

April 11, 2012

We have lost a dear and wonderful friend. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family on the loss of Maria and her mother.

Cara Rich-Lloyd

April 11, 2012

Maria, you were taken from us way too soon! You will be missed by us all but we all now know we have one AWESOME angel looking down on us. May you rest and peace my dear friend!

Amanda (Edwards) Birch

April 11, 2012

Maria was a close friend in high school. I always admired her free spirit. Maria - You were a shining star that faded too soon! Bless you and your family!

Sharolyn Meyers

April 11, 2012

Rest in Peace Maria. You will forever be in our hearts.

Tom Stroup

April 11, 2012

She was my English student at Warwick High School, more recently one of my FB friends. Like everyone else who knows her, admires her, and loves her, I am heartbroken. Sometimes on a starless night, you are filled with joy by the sudden appearance of a single, bright, sparkling star. That's how I will always remember Maria.

Cary Mills Dryden

April 11, 2012

Rest in peace Maria. You will be missed!

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Maria LoPresto's name

Memorial Events
for Maria LoPresto

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Maria's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Maria LoPresto's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more