Maria Malitz

Maria (née Strauss) Malitz was born June 21, 1924 in St. Michael, Austria. She was one of five daughters born to Anna (née Jandrisovits) and Karl Strauss. Maria had a loving childhood fostered by her parents resulting in a strong family bond with her sisters.

Maria – also known as Mitzi - had many talents. She was a teacher and an expert seamstress and she made her living in the United States as a seamstress. She enjoyed her work and continued to do so until 89 years old. Maria was very talented and creative and put her energy wholeheartedly into all her endeavors. She had a beautiful garden and enjoyed nature. Maria enjoyed teaching her grandchildren to knit and sew. She was also an incredible baker. Her Christmas cookies are fondly remembered by all those who had the pleasure of the experience.

Maria immigrated to America in her early thirties to experience life in the “land of opportunity.” Her transition to this new world was facilitated by Alois - with whom she fell in love and married in 1958. They settled in the northeast Bronx and had three children. Marianne (h. Al), Kathy (h. Bob) and Bobby (w. Kathy). Maria was a devoted wife and mother with exceptionally strong family values. Her family always came first. She instilled the same values taught by her parents to her own children. She believed that education and hard work would provide the foundation for a good life. She always said – “education is something no one can ever take from you.”

Mitzi was kind and had many friends who appreciated her positive attitude and genuine smile. She always saw the best in people and chose to focus on the positives. She would often say – “we have to make the best of it” no matter the circumstances.

Despite Maria’s kind nature, she was a woman of significant strength and courage. She was a survivor of WWII and had the fortitude to venture to a new country to start a new life. During her later years when her body began to fail, Maria refused to give up and continued to demonstrate a strong passion for life. She continued to tend to her garden, and baked cookies into her early 90’s.

Maria was blessed with seven grandchildren; Bobby, Alanna, Derek (w. Corey), Christie Lynn, Danielle, Gregory and Julia. Maria also had 5 step grandchildren Eric, Jackie, Kamryn, Kollin and Haleigh. Maria cherished her growing family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She embraced every one of their unique personalities and established a special bond with Danielle through their own “language.”

Maria had an extended family in Europe as well and deeply loved her nieces, nephews and cousins. She would often say how truly blessed we are to have such a large, loving family.

Maria was loved by many. May she rest in peace.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, July 8th from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Leo P. Gallagher, 31, Arch Street, Greenwich, Connecticut. Funeral Service to be held on Tuesday, July 9th at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church, 1510 Adee Avenue, Bronx, New York. Internment to immediately follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Abilis, 50 Glenville Street, Greenwich, CT 06831. www.abilis.us.