Maria Isabel Gomez Guzman

Maria “Mabe” Isabel Gomez Suri left us on February 20, 2021 with her family by her side at Orlando Health and Rehabilitation Center. Maria was born on May 8, 1944 in the town of Florida, a region of Camaguey, Cuba to Hector Tomas Suri Mendoza and Rita Felicia Fernandez Ruiz. Maria studied piano from a very early age with her aunt Zayda Suri. Maria graduated from high school in Cuba and soon after married Nestor Gomez Oviedo. They both immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Paterson, New Jersey. There they raised three children – Maria Isabel, Nestor Jesus, and Mirian Elena Gomez. While living in Paterson, she was a testing quality control technician and an active member of Iglesia Bautista Central under the direction of Reverend Jose Juan Cotti. Maria led as the musical director of the all-adult choir. In 1976, the Gomez family relocated to Kissimmee, Florida where she was active in music at the church Principe de Paz. Maria continued her career in quality control work at Mercury Marine until the 90’s, when she became a crossing guard for Osceola county schools. The couple divorced and years later, she met her late husband Emilio Guzman Miranda in church. They were married in 1987 where they blended their families until his passing in 2010. For years, Maria helped sponsor relatives who had immigrated to the US from Cuba. Maria became called to do God’s work as a missionary. Maria traveled to various countries preaching the gospel and providing the needy with food, clothes, and medicine. Maria was selected by her church to lead the children’s ministry for new churches being built around the world as a part of her missionary work. Maria would also be invited by other churches to conduct praise and worship service. Maria never turned down an opportunity to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever needed. Maria lived, breathed and preached the word of God to any one she came in contact with. Even in her last days, her wishes were to care for her family and to continue God’s work. God called her home before she could complete those wishes so that she may no longer suffer and be in eternal peace. Maria will always be remembered for her giving nature. This was never clearer than on Christmas. Maria would be sure to have enough gifts for her family, friends, church members and even strangers. Maria was also one of the most excellent cooks (nobody made a better Arroz Congri than her)! Maria welcomed anyone to her home and would not let you leave without a plate of food. Maria was very passionate about the causes that were close to her heart. Maria was also known to be feisty and fought for what she believed in, no matter what or with whom. Maria leaves behind a legacy that is survived by her immediate family. Maria is survived by: Maria I. Gomez, Nestor J. Gomez, Mirian E. Gomez; Alina M. Garraton, Ivan D. Mercado and his wife Monica Mercado along with their children Rosalina R. Mercado, Tristan J. Mercado, and Juliette P. Mercado; Stone N. Gomez, Spencer S. Gomez, and Stephen Boychew; Michael Guzman; Ramon Garcia; and Grisell Hernandez. Maria is also survived by extended family who remain in Cuba.

Maria Isabel Gomez Guzman

May 8, 1944 - February 20, 2021