Maria Victoria Abrea

Maria Victoria Chiapparino Abrea, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, at the Auberge at Aspen Park Memory Care Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 86. Maria was born February 24, 1939, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Maria was the only child of Nicolas and Nelida Chiapparino, who adored her dearly. She spent her formative years living with her parents and her Italian grandparents, Victor and Maria Chiapparino, who made a point of raising Maria with traditional Italian-Catholic values and traditions. Maria attended a Catholic school in Buenos Aires where she enjoyed playing basketball and developed diverse talents such as sewing, reading, and baking.

At the age of 14, Maria started taking English lessons from her neighbor Angel Abrea. Besides learning English, Maria also accepted an invitation from Angel and his mother to start attending activities with them at their church. Despite the pleadings of her priest and the nuns at her school, Maria was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 17. Maria and Angel's friendship blossomed into a lifelong romance, and a year after her baptism, she and Angel were married on July 6, 1957, in Buenos Aires. They were blessed with three daughters: Patricia, Claudia, and Cynthia. Eventually the Abrea family was able to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 22, 1966.

From the day of her baptism, Maria dedicated her talents to serve in the Church. She affected many lives teaching early morning Seminary in Buenos Aires for several years. Maria shared many experiences with Angel as they traveled the world serving and assisting members of the church both locally and across the globe. One of the highlights of her life was serving with her husband as mission leaders at the Rosario, Argentina Mission from 1978 to 1981. Loving relationships and reunions with the missionaries continued for the rest of her life. In 1984 she served with her husband as the first President and Matron of the Buenos Aires Temple. This was followed by church service in Mexico, Ecuador, the Philippines, and of course the United States. Maria once remarked to her daughter how tired she was constantly preparing meals for visiting general authorities and missionaries, but how truly happy she was. She was well known among the general authorities for her wonderful meals, as well as for her loving and dedicated service.

Maria is survived by her three loving daughters: Patricia Johnson (David), Claudia Banks (Michael), and Cynthia Gambill (Tyler), 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Angel. A kind and generous individual, Maria was cherished by everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her. Her warmth and devotion will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses at the Auberge at Aspen Park Memory Care Center for the exceptional love and tender care they showed Maria during the last years of her life.

A viewing and funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E. Dimple Rd (10600 S) Sandy, UT 84092. A public viewing is scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service and burial.

To view a recording of Maria's service, please click on the blue tab above that says "Watch Services".