Maria Manuela Maldonado, 100, Accomplished Seamstress and Tailor

Manuela, known as Dona Manuela to those who knew her well, was one of eleven children born to Quintin Dueno Norat and Salustiana Colon Rivera in Coamo, Puerto Rico. She married her childhood friend, Luis G. Maldonado Gonzalez at Iglesias San Blas de Illescas in Coamo. In 1950, Luis and Manuela moved to Lorain, Ohio with their 4 children: Carmen Ana, Judith (Judy), Luis, and Rosael (Rosie). After settling in Lorain, they expanded their family, giving birth to three more children: Esteban (Steve), Milagros (Milly), and Maria Rosario (Mary).

As a young woman and entrepreneur in Puerto Rico, Manuela founded a workshop, where she taught physically challenged ladies in her community the art of being a seamstress and tailor. She enjoyed carpentry, masonry and she even built her own house with her brother Carlos. Other hobbies included gardening, shooting her rifle, and horseback riding.

Upon arrival in Lorain, and because of her skills as a seamstress and tailor, she worked for Joseph & Feiss Menswear and Bobby Brooks, Inc. for many years. Due to her pioneering spirit, she was also among the first women in Lorain to secure a driver’s license.

Manuela possessed an unwavering faith in God, a trait she deeply instilled in her children and grandchildren. She was a founding member and devout servant of Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain. Her particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary compelled her to become an active community leader, serving several faith groups, like Las Hijas de Maria (Daughters of Mary), the Legion de Maria (Legion of Mary), El Apostolado del Cenaculo Misionero (Missionary Cenacle Apostolate) and the Cursillo movement of Northeast Ohio. One particular highlight of her service to Sacred Heart Parish was leading the design and creation of a new float, every year, for the annual Sán Juan Bautista Festival Parade.

As with many matriarchs, Manuela loved taking care of her family, especially hosting pajama parties for her grandchildren. She always sacrificed her own needs and desires to prioritize those of her family and ensure they were taken care of and would advance in life. She was also known for her selfless generosity and charity where the poor and homeless were concerned, even welcoming migrants from Puerto Rico to stay in her family’s home until they could establish themselves, independently.

She is survived by her husband of seventy years, Luis; her children, Carmen Ana Gonzalez of Lorain, Judith Maldonado (Leonardo Gonzalez) of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, Deacon Luis Maldonado (Maria) of Lorain, Rosael Delic of Lorain, and Milagros Brillon (Manuel) of Lorain; as well as her sister María Iluminada Cruz of Lorain. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Manuela was preceded in death by two of her children, Esteban Maldonado and María Rosario Maldonado; three of her grandchildren, Jessica Delic, Christopher Maldonado and Steven Pruszynski, as well as sons-in-law, Jose Gonzalez and John Delic. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by nine of her ten siblings, Julia, Cristóbal, Esteban (El Cabo), Carmela, Esteban, Carlos, Amparo, Juan Bautista and Ana Luisa.

Her family will receive friends Thursday, December 21 from 4 to 8 in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain. Friends may also call Friday from 8:30 AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Rev. Father William A. Thaden, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Her family suggests contributions in her memory be made to the Sacred Heart Memorial Fund, 3401 Pearl Avenue, Lorain Ohio 44055, Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011 or Mercy New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053.

For further information and for expression of sympathy, see Reidyfuneral.com.