Maria, age 52, of Crete, passed away March 7 – officially on March 10, 2023 – as she donated her liver to save another life.
She was born June 27, 1970, in Port-Au-Prince, Haïti, to Edith and her father, whose name is unknown. Maria worked at the childcare center at the UCC church and often volunteered at New Beginnings in Crete. She did what she could to give back to the community and she loved her children.
She was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister, brothers, and her adopted mom, Deborah Phillips (unci).
She is survived by her children, Jonathan Leach, Nate Leach, Toni Steinhoff (Kemerling), Spenser Nazaire, Talitha Armbrust and she was caring for Seven Kai.
A memorial service will be Saturday, March 25, at 5 p.m. at Grace Chapel in Lincoln. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home.
