Jose and Maria Collell

Maria and Jose’ Love Story

Jose’ was born in Habana, Cuba on August 30, 1925, to Emilio and Lorenza Santana Collell.  Jose’ was the youngest of four children; including Jose’, Josephina, and Juana.  Maria was born in Consolacion del Sur, Cuba, on July 11, 1934.  Maria later moved to Habana with her mother, Carmen Flores Collazo, and her older brothers, Miguel and Jesus.  Carmen was an amazing cook and owned a home restaurant that served many of the doctors working at the nearby hospital.  Maria learned how to cook working with her.

Jose’ worked at La Benefica del Centro in Habana.  Maria called her cousin named Paquita one day, but misdialed and reached the Benefica where my Dad was working the switchboard.  When Jose’ answered the phone, my Mom asked for Paguita.  Jose replied, “There’s no Paquita here, but I’m Paquito.”  This began a daily phone call between them that lasted for the next year.  They finally met in person under the intense scrutiny of her brother’s wife, Ita.  Supervised visits and walks in the nearby parks led to their marriage on November 30, 1957.  Maritza and Ramon were later born as the family negotiated the uncertainty and daily physical challenges of Communism.  After immense sacrifice, planning, and courage, the family left Cuba in 1969.  They landed in Miami where Jesus and Miguel were already waiting for them.  Emilio was later born, and the family of five eventually made the move west to California. 

Jose’, Maria, and Ramon worked custodial jobs in the afternoon, while Jose’ worked graveyard shifts at Vons Supermarket in Santa Ana. His scrupulous cleaning style earned him the nickname, “Mr. Clean.”  Maria worked days on an assembly line for Interstate Electronics building vacuums and smoke detectors.  They always put their family first, and provided a supportive and loving home base for their children and later, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 

Maria’s flans were legendary and incredible Cuban food was a staple for family celebrations, especially on La Noche Buena each year.  In 1995, following retirement, Maria and Jose’ moved into a senior apartment complex in Yorba Linda, California.  Jose’ often remained happy at home watching his beloved Angels, but Maria was a constant fixture at potlucks, Bingo, Bible studies, and even the crochet club. Maria really blossomed socially and made dozens of new friends. Jose’ was actually on the horseshoe team that competed against local senior apartments. They had so many wonderful memories there for the next 21 years.

Health and mobility issues required they both move to Main Place Post Acute in 2016 for continuous care.  Again, Maria and Jose’ became fixtures at all the activities; music programs, Bingo, formal dinners, and weekly Mass supported by Holy Family Cathedral.  Everyone knew Jose’ had Blackout during Bingo when he yelled, “Carta llena!” It was hard to find a time when Maria and Jose were not holding hands and chatting together.

Jose’ passed away on November 28, 2020, at 95 years of age, just two days before their 63rd Wedding Anniversary.  He has lived a full life, working hard, enjoying the simple joys of life, and above all, loving his family. It was an understandably confusing and heartbreaking time for Maria.  She had always been with Jose’.  But a Bingo buddy, Mercedes, was subtly moved into her room, and they soon became Hermanas.  It was such a blessing. Mercedes turned 100 this year and is still healthy, but missing her dear friend.

The last year was a struggle for Maria.  Chronic, serious infections wore down her body, but never her spirit, or her loving heart.  She constantly told us how much she loved us all and eventually, that she was ready to be with “Mema”, her mom.  She passed away on May 20, 2024, at 90 years of age.  We know she and Mema are now busy cooking up croquetas and listening to Celia Cruz. Jose’ is making sure they are using clean hands!

We were so blessed to have them in our lives and their legacy will always be a part of us. 

In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to their favorite charity, St Jude.org

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