Maria A. Valdes, 30, passed away unexpectedly on May 7, 2020 at her home in Austin, Texas. Her parents are Sergio and Joanne Valdes of Jensen Beach, Florida. Maria graduated from Jensen Beach High School Class of 2007. She played piano, fastpitch softball, loved surfing, and a passion for art and architecture. She attended Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in architecture with a minor in architecture history graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2011. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Architecture (M. ARCH) at SCAD in 2012. During her tenure at SCAD she was the national President of American Institute of Architectural Students (AIAS), which is the campus affiliate of American Institute of Architects (AIA), which she would subsequently join. After graduation Maria moved to Austin, Texas and furthered her career by earning her Architecture license in 2014. Maria was most recently a resident architect for Sixthriver Architecture in Austin. Maria was also a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and was certified as an LEED Green Associate, having the knowledge and skill to design totally green structures and buildings.
She continued to be active in sports, participating in triathlons and Muay Thai. Maria was selected by the ONNIT supplements and fitness equipment company to participate in a nationwide ad campaign. Maria went on to compete in the national Muay Thai competition in Des Moines, IA in 2018 and in 2019, where she came in second in the nation for her weight class. Maria also became a Muay Thai coach and traveled to Thailand in the fall of 2019 to continue her training. Maria always remained active, enjoying traveling, camping, painting, music and designing. Maria always strove for excellence, had an unwavering attention to detail, but retained a humble and modest spirit.
Maria is predeceased by her brother, Daniel Valdes.
A private burial is planned at All Saints Cemetery followed by a celebration of life. Due to COVID-19 all events are limited.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to:
Warrior Family Group LLC
1158 Lost Creek Blvd.
Austin TX 78746
Maria always had a sparkle in her eye and illuminated any room she entered. She will be tremendously missed and greatly loved.
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