Maria Leah Roaquin

On Friday May 22, 2020, Maria “Bambi” Roaquin passed away from complications of COVID-19 at the age of 59. Until the final weeks of her life, Bambi proudly served as a Registered Nurse both at Dialysis Clinic Inc. of Yorktown Heights and the critical care and intensive care units of New York-Presbyterian/ Hudson Valley Hospital.

Bambi graduated with her degree in nursing from Rockland Community College (RCC) in 2004. During her time at RCC, Bambi proudly served as the President of the Student Nurses Association. During her 16 year nursing career she was a dedicated charge nurse, a mentor precepting new nurses, participated in shared governance committees, and volunteered countless hours of her time.

Bambi was known to all as a generous, hard-working, and deeply loving person. Bambi was passionate about dancing, travel, cooking, painting, jewelry- making, and spending time with her family. Her laughter was contagious, and the only thing bigger than her larger-than-life personality was her heart. She loved being a nurse and a mother. She loved her family, and absolutely adored her son and her partner. She took care of everyone around her, and courageously gave her life in the service of saving others.

Bambi is survived by her beloved son Lee, long-term partner Steve, mother Elizabeth, stepmother Angela, siblings Jonas, Robert, Cielo Florence, Alvaro, Gabriel, and Lielah; and 11 nieces and nephews. She is now reunited in heaven with her father Emmanuel and niece Isabel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Bambi’s favorite charity.

Bambi’s family will also be establishing a scholarship fund in Bambi’s honor to benefit nursing students pursuing a career in critical care nursing.

“He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High will abide in the shelter of the Almighty”

Psalm 91:1 ESV