Maria Kaza Beland

Maria Kaza Beland, age 58, of Royal Oak, passed away on July 19, 2025. She was born on July 31, 1966 in Wyandotte to John and Mary Kaza. Maria grew up in Trenton and graduated from Gabriel Richard Catholic High School. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Ferris State University. Maria spent her entire career in medical sales, starting with Convatec and later working with AOTI. Outside of work, she had a deep love for travel. While at Convatec, she had the opportunity to travel abroad, with visits to destinations like Italy, South Africa, and the Caribbean-experiences she thoroughly enjoyed. Another especially meaningful trip was to China, where she visited her brother during his time working there. Maria had a huge circle of friends from her high school and college days, and she absolutely loved spending time with all of them. Lots of meticulous planning went into many fun getaways over the years that created enduring memories for Maria and her friends. And although Maria faced health challenges in recent years, she rarely let them hold her back. She embraced life with energy and enthusiasm, always eager to try something new-whether it was a wine tasting or experimenting in the kitchen, where she was famously quick to reach for raisins as a stand-in for just about any missing ingredient. Maria cherished her friends and family deeply-including her beloved dogs-and her generous, kind-hearted spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Always willing to lend a hand, she gave freely of her time and care. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Maria will be remembered as the beloved wife of Rich, to whom she was wed on June 7, 2003). Loving mother of Malachi. Dear sister of Steve (Fukiko) Kaza, Greg (Sarah) Kaza, and the late Krystina (survived by Julian Hooper). She is further survived by her niece and four nephews. Visitation for Maria will be held on Friday, July 25, from 2 - 8 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 10:00 a.m. (visitation 9:30 a.m.) at St. Mary Catholic Church, 730 S. Lafayette Ave, Royal Oak. Memorial contributions in honor of Maria can be directed to Lupus Research Alliance: www.lupusresearch.org.