Maria Juanita Blake, born June 26, 1975 at Queens Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, was the first of two daughters born to single mother, Rosa Lee Denson. Maria was born a quiet spirit that adapted to any surrounding with inquisitive eyes. As a child, while her mother continued her education, Maria began her education at Wilton Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA and later transferred to Windsor Hills Science Magnet (near her grandmother’s home) to graduate as a young, gifted student with a bright future. During her free time, she loved reading and rarely would you find her without a book in her hands. She graduated from Orville Wright Middle School, 2 years at Westchester High School (both in Westchester, CA) and she finished her final year of high school at Burbank High School, in Burbank, CA, where she graduated with honors in 1994. While living with her grandmother (Alice Marie Denson) & her Aunt Robin in Windsor Hills, CA, having been baptized at birth, accepted Jesus Christ in her teens, Maria went to church regularly. She enjoyed celebrating Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving was a close third. Maria loved to cook and she learned most of her cooking skills from her mother, grandmother, and later her Uncle Charles. Early in 1994, her senior year in high school, she applied, was accepted, and decided to attend Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Moving from sunny California, to surviving the bitter cold winters of Rhode Island was an education in itself. Throughout college, she honed her cooking skills, developed a love for music (90’s) and hosted a few parties to get through those college days. With determination, her analytical mind and technical skills, Maria was able to parlay all her abilities into a Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science from Johnson & Wales University. Upon finishing college, she moved to Houston, Texas to bond with her grandfather, Robert E. Denson (resident of Houston). Houston was filled with family and opportunity, so, she worked several odd jobs until landing a position with Dell Laboratories in 1996. Then in 1999, her computer expertise opened the door to the Houston Grand Opera, where she was a competent, dependable, hardworking employee for 19 years (until her untimely death November 7, 2018). During her employment at HGO, Maria received several promotions and awards for her excellent work within the IT Department (final promotion: Network Administrator). Nine years ago, after being frugal with her finances, Maria bore the daunting task of purchasing her own home in the Remington Ranch section of Houston, Texas. Consequently, holding down the responsibilities of a home, being the caregiver for her mom and working for the Houston Grand Opera were three daily requirements. Maria did manage to take a trip (once every three years); 4-7 days’ in the Dominican Republic, Pittsburgh, PA, Atlanta, GA, the Mexican Riviera, Las Vegas, NV and L.A., CA. She’d often revealed her infectious smile when taking a picture or just having a relaxing, good time. For those who believe, know this: Maria’s quiet, gentle spirit is alive and well living her “best life” right now; in her 2nd home: one she didn’t have to purchase, not built by human hands and exactly to her liking. She is now embraced with the love and light of Jesus Christ, her Aunt Darlean Denson Yarbough (December 2015), her grandmother, Alice M. Denson (January 2017), her grandfather, Robert E. Denson (September 2018) and a number of great aunts, uncles and cousins who preceded her. Maria is smart, she is kind & her importance will be remembered by her mother, Rosa Lee Denson, sister, Mira Martin, her Aunt Rowena Starling (cousin Grady) her Aunt Robin Denson Anacker (Charles & cousin Robert), Aunt Carmencita Denson (cousin Alicia), her Cousin Amika Jemison (sons, Elijah, Isaiah & Joshua), Quinton Worthams, William Jemison, Uncle Federico Yarbough, Uncle Robert E. Denson, ll (Reta & cousins Ramiyah, Raelynn, and Robert III), Uncle Ramon Elan Denson, Great Aunt Earline Lillie (cousin Monique), Great Uncle Rev. Ben Roy Lillie (Laverne & cousins Ben Roy, II, Glenn, Reginald, Cheryl and Rita), Great Uncle Lewis Lillie (Margaret and cousin Reagan), Great Aunt Mary Jewel Denson-Gunter, PhD (cousin Athena Williams), her second cousin Doris Dodd-Gooden (Jerome and cousins Anthony and Kennersen) and a host of family (Denson’s, Lillie’s, Dodd’s and Gooden’s), good friend, Aisha Ross and other friends, here in Texas and back in California. (If we didn’t mention your name, count it to our heads & not our hearts, Amen?)
Maria you were always so patient with all of us at HGO. I remember you fixing the situation a time two, when you werent even in the building. You were helpful and sweet, and had a dry sense of humor. Ill remember that little sigh and chuckle you would give me when there were numerous people on our team needing help. Thank you for being a wonderful and approachable person.
It's going to be so hard to imagine HGO without Maria. Whenever you needed her, she magically would appear. I remember after a long weekend transferring us back into the Wortham a few of us shared some cake together for a coworker's birthday. It was a simple moment to chat and take a break; I hope she knew how much we all loved her and appreciated her.
Wish I could see her one more time so that I can thank her for all of the times that she helped me out. And to tell her how much I admired her laser sharp mind and logical intellect. She was an extremely effective problem solver; one of a kind. Luis Franco
Maria was the most thoughtful, caring and loving person. She would not hesitate to help the ones that needed it. She would always take time to ask me how I am doing and how my family is doing. You will be missed.
I am very lucky to have many memories with Maria. When we walked into work together or left work together, Maria would greet each person she passed by, individually. She made us all feel special to her and she was special to us. I already miss her but I will remember my friend today and always. May God grant you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.
She was the most helpful co-worker one could ask for. She made time for everyone who asked, even when she was off the clock, and you could always count on her in an emergency. Her work ethic showed her character and was an example to me and many others. May she rest in peace for all eternity - she has earned it!
Maria was one of the most kind, gentle, bright and calm people I have ever worked with. She helped me many times over the years and was always gracious no matter how busy she was.
My prayers to the family of Maria Blake. Maria always have a smile every time we cross each other path at the Wortham Theater Center. She will be truly miss by all of us.
I miss you Maria Blake and appreciated all of your help in making everything IT work (or work again) at HGO, even when it shouldn't have been able to. Your calm in the face of crazy was always needed, and your laughter and joy when everything was good, was loved. I hope you are mastering the art of French cooking with Julia in the great beyond.
I am going to miss Maria.She became a person in my life that I Never thought would not be there. I'll miss our talks.
Houston Grand Opera Guild greatly appreciates all of her help, kindness, and service to the guild. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her mother and family. Janet Sims President, Houston Grand Opera Guild
Maria was the perfect co-worker - always kind and willing to help. Although a huge part of her job was dealing with "user error," she always went about it cheerfully and with great professionalism. Her work ethic was second to none. I will miss her tremendously.
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