We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Maria E. Colmenares, who died peacefully at the age of 84 in Laguna Niguel, California.  Maria was born in Bogota, Columbia, and is survived by her spouse, sister, brother, and extended family. 

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Maria shared a close and loving bond with her sister Maria Roso and her nephew Carlos Roso, evident in the many hours the two spent visiting Maria in California.  As a child, Maria was adored by her parents, who sent their daughter to the best prep schools in the country. During those early years, Maria spent countless hours reading and writing, preparing to fulfill her dream of becoming a child psychologist.

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She moved to the Unites States and soon became a proud citizen. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ohio and obtained her graduate degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan.  She graduated from both institutions with honorable mentions and academic accolades. She was honored with Who’s Who from Colleges and Universities and academic excellence awards.

She spent over thirty years of service as a school psychologist at the Santa Ana Unified School District, helping minority students throughout the district. There, she received numerous awards for her service and was loved by colleagues, students, and administrators with whom she worked.

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Maria worked tirelessly as a volunteer for A Better Chance, helping minority students secure full scholarships to Ivey League institutions. Because of her dedication and compassionate spirit, her students always stayed in touch with her, each sharing their personal success story, aware that it was only made possible because of her. Maria’s enduring commitment awarded students scholarships to institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, UCLA, and USC.

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Maria always believed that giving back to one’s country and community was a duty and privilege.  She instilled her philosophy of giving back to her students and inspired her friends and family to give back every day.

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Maria will be missed but never forgotten by her students, colleagues, and family. Because of all that she did for others in her dedication to serving her community, her legacy will live on forever.

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“We love you, Maria. You will be missed every day”