SPANISH OBITUARY (LINK)

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Maria Casallas, of Kintnersville, PA, announces her passing on May 16, 2023 at the age of 87 of complications related to Dementia. She was surrounded by her loving family, and a priest (Fr. Sean). All witnessed her peaceful passing.

Maria is predeceased by her husband William (1981), her father Miguel (1973), her mother Flora (2006), her brother Fabio (2016), her brother Ivan (March 2021), her sister Fanny (July 2021). She has two loving children: Michael Casallas, L/CPL, USMC (retired) and Dr. Flora Casallas (clinical psychologist). In addition to her children, Maria will be forever remembered by her only surviving brother, Ciro Lozada, and a host of nieces and nephews here and in South America.

Maria was born August 28, 1935 in Colombia South America. She immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1967. She arrived in Pennsylvania contracted as a live-in maid in Ambler, PA. She returned to Colombia in 1968 and returned the same year with her husband, leaving her family and two children (Michael and Flora) in the care of her mother. In 1969. Maria and William were live-in butler and maid. In December of 1969, her children Michael and Flora arrived in Pennsylvania and lived in Ambler with their parent’s employer until 1973 when Maria and her family settled in Lansdale. Later Maria single handedly brought her whole family to Pennsylvania and her husband brought over his brother, Julio. In time Julio brought over his wife and three children to Pennsylvania. Maria had a 7th grade education when she arrived in Pennsylvania and did not know the language. She had no family or friends to host her or help guide her in the United States.

She was a professional seamstress. She completed her GED and studied to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Maria chose to work in nursing homes caring for patients with Alzheimer’s. Her last employment was at Dock Woods Senior Living Community in Lansdale.

Maria spent over 20-years caring for her son Michael after he was honorably discharged from the US Marines. They provided companionship to each other until she could no longer care for him. Maria’s care for her son was out of love and not obligation. She did everything with love and God’s guidance.

In 2016, Flora and her husband relocated from upstate NY to care for her elder mother and brother. Flora sold Maria’s home in Hatfield, purchased 5-acres in Kintnersville and built a home to accommodate Maria and Michael.

In 2020, Flora could no longer care for Maria in the home and Maria went to Abramson Nursing Home in Horsham. She remained there until she passed away at Abington Jefferson hospital.

While family and friends are heartbroken by her passing, Maria will be forever remembered for her caring, devotion to family and her sense of humor. At the nursing home, she was pleasant, agreeable and was happy and always giggling. She was 4’11” and was everyone’s favorite resident.

Michael has this to say about his mother: “She was silent at times and when she spoke, she spoke gently. It was hard to get her to lose her temper. She was a great mother because of the love she had for her mother which transferred to us all and those who loved her.” Her children, brother and nieces continued with the same love and devotion for Maria until the end.

Maria will forever be remembered for her love and devotion of family and her children. She was a great person, mother, sister, aunt, wife, and friend. Maria was loved as was evident by the love in the room upon her death. All who were present felt God’s presence, and being with her in the transitional moment was a gift. She opened her eyes as she was transitioning as if to say goodbye, we all told her we loved her and thank her. Michael gave her permission to go, telling her “we will be fine.”

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing, Friday May 26, 2023 from 9:00AM until 10:30. Mass will follow 10:30am to 11:30am at St. Stanislaus Church 51 Lansdale Ave, Lansdale, PA 19446. The funeral service will be at 12:00PM at the Whitemarsh Memorial Park Cemetery 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA 19002. She will be laid to rest by her husband. Lunch to follow.

The family is asking to wear WHITE (shirt, polo shirt, dress) in celebration of her life and in recognition of God’s mercy and love.

To send flowers or plants to the family contact the Funeral Home: or plant a tree in memory of Maria contact the funeral home: Simcox-Mcilvaine Funeral Home 532 Main St. Lansdale, Pa 19446