Maggie Boronell

Maggie Boronell's life began 104 years ago when she was born Maggie Blackwell in Stovall, North Carolina on October 9, 1919. She was one of eleven siblings. Maggie learned and honed her sewing, cooking and baking skills in her early years to help make ends meet for her large family, facing Depression era challenges. Maggie graduated high school in North Carolina in 1937. Her determination to make a better life for herself, gave Maggie the courage to leave her home for New York, where she eventually met and married her husband, Cuban American, Ramon T. Boronell, in December of 1942. This union brought forth three children; Ramon A. Boronell 'Donnie', Deborah Boronell and Paula Boronell. Once settled in New York and married with a family, Maggie had career aspirations that helped her break down racial barriers in the hiring and promotion of African Americans in the corporate world. In 1962, Maggie Boronell became one of only two African Americans who were the first to be hired in a non-janitorial position at the CBS Television Network. She remained at CBS for 20 years, performing a number of skilled jobs including data processing, until her retirement in1982. Maggie spent the greater part of her life in service to her family and others. She donated the clothing she made to a number of charitable and religious organizations. Maggie and Ramon moved to Florida in 1992 following their retirement. Maggie enjoyed entertaining family and friends who came to visit and always had her grandchildren's favorite foods ready when they arrived! She held court in her office where she read the newspaper front to back, did her sewing and made her daily calls checking up on folks (God forbid she missed out on the latest gossip). Maggie was predeceased by her husband and children Donnie and Paula. Her eldest daughter, Deborah, has been by Maggie's side as her companion and primary caregiver. Maggie enjoyed her many grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to go shopping with them where she could be out and about and in charge. Maggie passed away at home, in the arms of her daughter and granddaughter, Maya on August 11, 2024. Maggie Boronell: Family Legend, Trailblazer, Philanthropist and Pie Maker Extraordinaire, but most of all, Mother and Grandmother, to those who will never forget her and never stop loving her. Rest in Peace, Beloved. Maggie is survived by her daughter, Deborah Boronell; brother, Edward Blackwell; Grandchildren: Michelle Boronell-Hunter, Andre Boronell, David Bailey, Cherrie Lamb, Milan Boronell and Maya Celeste; Great Grandchildren: Brianna, Amanda, Andre, Aurelia, Rachel, Ashley, Alina and Zaylee: Great-Great Grandchildren: Amiya, Jaida, Julious, Leonidas, Milan and Lion. She also leaves a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends to cherish her memory.

Maggie Boronell

October 9, 1919 - August 11, 2024