Maria M Malave

Maria M. Malave, a cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the venerable age of 96. She was born on May 25, 1929, in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico.
Gifted with her hands and a heart for service, Maria honed her culinary skills in Puerto Rico before journeying to Ohio. There, she continued to blossom in her work at Gary Allens and later at Springbrook Gardens where she merged her love of plants and knack for propagation into a hobby.
A devout Catholic, Maria's faith was a source of unwavering strength and comfort throughout her life. She was an embodiment of Christian virtues, extending love, generosity, and support to all who knew her.
Family was Maria's cornerstone and utmost joy. She is survived by her adoring son, Jose (and his wife, Debra) Ortiz; her cherished granddaughter, Brittany (and her husband, Dominic) Cribari; her treasured great-grandchildren, Austin and Colson Cribari; her caring sister, Rosa Malave; and her beloved brother, Alberto Malave; also her many nieces and nephews. Maria now reunites with her parents, mother Dominicans Rosado and father Primitivo Malave who preceded her in death. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria, please visit our floral store.