Maria Louisa Pyman

Maria Pyman died on September 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Witty, kind, curious, gregarious, compassionate, caring, intelligent, creative, understanding, determined, optimistic and fun-loving, Maria was full of life (and beans) from the very start, cracking jokes right up to her final days.

Maria was born in Worcester, MA on September 4, 1948, to Anne and Dick Sarapas. The first of five children, she was the best big sister her siblings could have asked for, setting a good example for and inspiring them, while also using her seniority to get them to rub her back or brush her long, blond hair.

Maria was a voracious reader, a tea-lover, a baker, a gardener, a gift-giver and a craftsperson - baking bread and cookies, growing and pickling vegetables, stripping furniture, sewing clothes and curtains, embroidering and painting, all while raising and nurturing for her four children while living in Worcester and Shrewsbury, MA and then in Cheshire, CT.

Maria loved the ocean and the beach, particularly Peaks Island, ME, where she spent many childhood summers with her parents and siblings, and later with her husband, David and their kids. Peaks was where she came of age, began her marriage and developed many enduring friendships. Although she was unable to visit the island in recent years, it was a part of her and is where her family will return her in the coming months.

Maria loved to celebrate, to dance and to eat! Often the first and last on the dance floor, she loved karaoke and was the life of the party. She ate with gusto and regaled in vivid detail the specifics of whatever tasty meal or treat she’d just enjoyed and loved receiving and sharing recipes. She was a great conversationalist and a gifted listener, always eager to learn more about those she met.

Maria was an educator, having returned to school as her children grew, ultimately earning her Masters and working as a Guidance Counselor at Dodd Middle School in Cheshire for many years, a career she adored. She was dedicated to equality, honesty and nurturing young people. She made a difference in the lives of students, colleagues and friends too many to count, even receiving video messages from former students during her mercifully brief final illness.

In some ways, there were two Marias. In April of 2002, Maria suffered a brain aneurism, which ultimately left her with profound, mostly physical, disabilities. Ever the optimist, she tried every available therapy to improve her mobility and retain as much independence as possible. She had an indominable spirit and a sometimes-maddening desire to do things beyond her reach, but despite all the challenges and ups and downs she faced, she almost always looked on the bright side and greeted each day, and anyone she encountered, with enthusiasm and positivity. While residing at New Horizons Village, an independent living facility for people with physical disabilities, since Jan. 2020, she continued to be an engaged partner, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, mentor and all-around good egg and wonderful human being. She continued to make art, to grow things, to make new friends and to help others.

The truth is, although there was a pre- and post-stroke Maria, she was, at her very core, always the same amazing woman. We will never forget her raucous laugh and how she would crack up hearing or repeating the latest (sometimes salty or inappropriate) jokes. Maria was a rock for her family, cheering up any who needed cheering, even when she was the one who might have been needing that support. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know, to love and to be loved by her.

Maria was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Mark. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David, and their children and grandchildren: Aaron (wife Christina, and his daughter Kira); Kate DeNaples (husband Dave, and their daughters Freesia and Emma); Andy (son Jackson and daughter Olivia); and Chris (wife Jane, and their sons Ben and Owen.) Maria is also survived by her brothers Paul Sarapas (wife Nancy Liu) and Andy Sarapas (wife Suzanne Keller), her brother Mark’s widow, Judy, and by her sister, Joanna Landsman, plus many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

Maria’s siblings wish to thank David for his exceptional love and care he provided to our sister over the past 23 years. Our appreciation for his undying devotion to her, despite all the significant challenges, is beyond words. David will forever have our love, gratitude and support.

Maria, may you now be driving your red “sports” car toward the ocean, with your boogie board, a beach bag stuffed with books, and a cooler full of snacks and ice-cold Tequiza in the trunk. Here Comes the Sun… Sail on, Silver Girl…May the Long Time Sun Shine Upon You.

Please visit www.mariapyman.org to share your memories of Maria.

Maria worked with special needs students and was active at the statehouse to raise awareness of barriers to medical services for the disabled. Those wishing to honor Maria’s legacy and her advocacy for people with disabilities are invited to make a donation in her memory to Disability Rights CT (DRCT).