Maya Leigh Ortiz

Maya Ortiz, age 20, peacefully passed into God's loving arms and into eternal life surrounded by loving family, on February 12, 2026, after a courageous and grace-filled battle with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Born on September 6, 2005, in Springfield, Maya lived a life defined not by the length of her years, but by the depth of her kindness, determination, and love for others.

Maya spent her early childhood in Medford before moving to North Reading in 2015, where she completed her education and graduated from North Reading High School. During her senior year, while quietly beginning the most challenging fight of her life, Maya showed the world what resilience truly looks like. Through surgeries, treatments, and complications, she remained committed to her education and graduated from North Reading High School surrounded by the support of family, teachers, friends, classmates, and an entire community who never stopped believing in her.

That same determination carried her to University of Massachusetts Amherst where she pursued a Biology major on the pre-med track. Even while undergoing treatment, Maya completed her first year on the Dean's List an achievement that reflected both her intellect and her unbreakable spirit. At UMass Amherst, she served as the founder and president of the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Club, turning her personal journey into a mission to uplift, educate, and advocate for others. She also was part of the National Student Medical Minority Association

In the summer of 2025, Maya completed an accelerated program to earn her EMT certification, driven by her deep desire to care for others and to one day become a physician. She organized"Trotting in Teal," a powerful event that raised awareness for ovarian cancer and brought people together in hope and solidarity. Her advocacy reached far beyond her immediate community she was recognized in local newspapers and news outlets and was later interviewed by Forbes Magazine, where she was featured for her leadership and efforts to bring attention to the importance of recognizing early cancer symptoms in young adults.

Maya was a lifelong soccer player and found joy in life's simple pleasures sunny beach days, sushi dates, sour candy, and laughter-filled moments with her best friends Lauren, Mia, and Brianna. She loved spending time with her boyfriend Jake and planning fun-filled adventures, like drives and exploring different restaurants. Her smile was radiant and unforgettable, a smile that welcomed everyone she met and made strangers feel like friends.

Maya was surrounded by an extraordinary community. Just as they walked with her at Trotting in Teal, her family, friends, classmates, teammates, neighbors, and countless individuals walked along side her every step of the way of of her journey. Her healthcare team at Dana Farber and Brigham Hospital showed unwavering compassion, expertise, and dedication. They fought tirelessly alongside her, embodying the very care and humanity Maya so deeply appreciated. She was profoundly grateful for every person who showed up for her, prayed for her, advocated with her, and loved her without limits.

Maya is survived by her devoted mother, Mayra Bolden; her father, Erick Bolden; her brother, Anthony; her beloved boyfriend, Jake; her grandparents, David Failey and Maritza Rosario; her sister friends Lauren, Mia, Brianna and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and supporters committed to carrying her legacy forward.

Visiting hours will be held on February 20, 2026, at Mackey Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on February 21, 2026, followed by burial at Lakeside Cemetery. All services are open to the public. ( see details below ).

Maya lived with purpose, loved without reservation, and inspired more people than she ever knew. Her bright spirit and legacy lives on in every life she touched, every heart she strengthened, and every act of kindness carried forward in her name.

Donations:

A scholarship in Maya's memory is being established to support young women battling ovarian cancer. Details will be forthcoming. ( Updates will appear here ).