Maria Smith

Maria Julia Smith, 80 of Miramar, FL passed away on February 15, 2021. Maria was born on July 21, 1940 in the Isla de la Tola, Ecuador. Her parents Nelson and Angela Bustos were from Colombia.

Maria came to the United States when she was 25 years old in1965. She met Alfredo in 1966 in Miami Beach, FL. She started to work as a waitress and through her colleagues she took an interest to be a hairstylist.

Maria went to Beauty School where she obtained her license on March 8, 1977 and started her career in Miami Beach at her first hair salon on Biscayne Blvd and 125th Street.

A few years later, she bought the salon and started her journey of being a business owner for the next 40+ years. She extended her beauty salons from Miami Beach all the way to Pembroke Pines and Miramar. Maria was a hard and dedicated worker and retired at the age of 78.

Maria was a devoted member of St John XXIII Catholic Church located in Miramar, FL.

Maria enjoyed watching her novellas with family and friends. She adored the music of her country (Andina Inca). Maria enjoyed throwing parties where she gathered her family and friends to dance the night away. If you were lucky enough, you would catch a live Mariachi band playing in the backyard.

Maria was a true caregiver. She would go out of her way whenever a friend or family member were in need of help. She put everyone first.

Maria was proud of her grandchildren, always sharing pictures with family and friends.

Maria was a loving wife to Alfredo, they enjoyed their time together as they traveled throughout the United States, Ecuador, Honduras, Italy, Mexico and Canada.

Maria was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-mother and daughter, Ettie Mae. She is survived by her husband of 53 years (Alfredo), 2 sons (Allan & John), daughter in law (Casey), 3 grandchildren (Gage, Julia & Lennon),sister and brother in law (Leticia and Dale Schweitzer and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Maria was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 25th, 2021 at Vista Memorial Gardens 14200 NW 57th Ave., Miami Lakes, FL 33014. Viewing starts at 10:00 AM and Burial is at 1:30 PM.