Maria R. Sarria

WORCESTER - Maria R. Sarria, 100, of Worcester was welcomed in the hands of the Almighty Lord on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 with her daughter, grandson and son-in-law by her side after a short illness. She was born in Candelaria, Colombia, daughter of Anunciación Sarria Lenis and Climaco Contreras.

Maria leaves her loving daughter, Leopoldina M. Harrigan, a retired teacher, her grandson Juan Carlos Harrigan and granddaughter Maria V. Montano; another daughter Maria Ofir of Worcester, her son Eddie Hernan of Venezuela and daughter Nancy of NYC; granddaughter, Jennifer Rosero of Pennsylvania, nieces and nephews in Colombia, Venezuela and Spain, several more grandchildren and great-grandchildren, most in particular; Maiyah, Isaac & Dominic.

Maria was predeceased by older sisters Olga and Lola, an older brother Saulon and two younger sisters, Emma and Ana Orfelia, all of Cali, Colombia.  In 2004, at the age of 81, Maria became a proud citizen of the U.S.A.  For the last 35 years, Worcester had been her home.

Always one with an adventurous spirit, she often loved to travel on shopping and sightseeing trips to Boston and New York City.  She was an avid walker who circled Elm Park several times. Gifted with the art of storytelling, Maria entertained many with her colorful tales of her travels during her youth.  She was a lover of dancing, especially Tango and Salsa music, which she enjoyed doing well into her late nineties.  During her pastime, she enjoyed a good cup of coffee, sewing dresses for a collection of dolls, as well as tending to a beautiful assortment of plants. In addition, she was a wonderful cook of delicious dishes that were welcomed by her family, friends and neighbors.

The last of a distinguished line of the Sarria family. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center and the nurses of Notre Dame Hospice for the care and compassion Maria received. We admire them for all the nurturing they provided our precious Maria. Thank you - God Bless.

Calling hours are Sunday, October 1st from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at RICE FUNERAL HOME, 300 Park Ave. Her funeral services will be held on Monday, October 2nd at 10:00 am with prayers at 10:30 at RICE FUNERAL HOME.  Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery.