Obituaries

Dear Maria, We never got to be neighbors in our beloved Paço D’Arcos or walked our dogs on that Paredão or visited the Azores last March. But I promise you one thing: I will one day hike those beautiful São Miguel valleys and in October I will walk that Paredão and visit all those places in Paço D’Arcos that were so familiar to us. And when I do, I will think of you and will feel you walk alongside me. Thank you for all the times you talked sense into me. Thank you for leaving such a huge imprint in so many hearts, mine included. I will never look at a butterfly the same way. I will never forget you. Descansa em paz, amiga. ? To Doug, your mom Raquel, your siblings, to those beautiful children of yours and all your loved ones, my heart aches for each one of you. Much love, peace and strength to you all. ? ?

Posted by Teresa R on February 3, 2021

Erik and I moved to SF in 1997. I think this photo is with Maria in her SF home in Bernal Heights.

Posted by Maura McGinnity on January 23, 2021

Now with Doug and Erik!

Posted by Maura McGinnity on January 23, 2021

We were visiting Long Island with our kids - I believe Doug & Maria and Erik & I were visiting family for the holidays.

Posted by Maura McGinnity on January 23, 2021

Dear Doug, Mialotta, Olivia, Isabella and Christopher, I met beautiful Maria in Japan over 30 years ago. We lived in the same apartment building in Kanazawa, Japan for a couple of years. We had many memorable adventures in Japan which then continued on in San Francisco for several years. She was one of my best life friends. Ever. Together, we cherished friendship, creativity, ideas, connections, treasures, and embracing life to the fullest. As you know well, Maria was a special angel on earth. An amazing spirit and a remarkable gift to us all. Her light will continue to shine brightly in my heart and in the hearts of countless people she has touched over a lifetime. It was wonderful to see Maria with Doug and the girls on your family trip through California a few years back. Life truly flies by and, through it all, Maria and I I kept our bond of friendship and kismet connection. She was magnificent and always will be. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this devastating time. I share in your grief and miss her deeply, too. Her spirit will most certainly be with you moving forward, at every turn and come what may. She loved all of you so much. Whenever you need an angel by your side, Maria will be there. Please take care always. Live, Love, and Laugh, xoxox Maura

Posted by Maura McGinnity on January 23, 2021

Maria was one of a kind and so full of love, hope, and energy! As a BC friend and then later as an amazing coach, I can say I’ve never met anyone like her and miss her so very much! Her retreat weekends gave me insights and perspectives I will take with me the rest of my days! Her impact on so many was profound! Maria, you will stay in my heart as an example of pure bliss, confidence, and of course beauty and love!!! Please look down on us all and guide us until we can hug you again on the other side! Peace dear one!!!

Posted by Amy Sullivan Thomson on January 23, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the Salomo-Schmidt family. Maria taught countless others how to live their best lives. She was an amazing human being.

Posted by McCarter Family on January 23, 2021

Doug & the rest of Maria\'s family, Our sincere condolences for your horrible loss. She was a beacon of brightness. Her positive vibe was the best kind of infectious. I only met her a few times and she made you feel like an old friend right away. Her bearhug was her signature and much appreciated. Our hope is that all the warm memories with her will carry you all through this most difficult time. Much love to you all. Steve Snow

Posted by Steve Snow on January 23, 2021

Doug & the rest of Maria's family, Our sincere condolences for your horrible loss. She was a beacon of brightness. Her positive vibe was the best kind of infectious. I only met her a few times and she made you feel like an old friend right away. Her bearhug was her signature and much appreciated. Our hope is that all the warm memories with her will carry you all through this most difficult time. Much love to you all. Steve Snow

Posted by Steve Snow on January 23, 2021

A fun and amazing day out on the water in Santa Barbara, Calif! Maria ALWAYS had a beautiful smile on her face, and everyone felt so lifted up being around her! She will surely be missed.

Posted by Glori on January 22, 2021

My condolences to the family. She was a Ray of Sunshine with a heart of gold. RIP sweet Angel.

Posted by Lucy on January 22, 2021

Dear Milu, from the few direct contact we had with you, we could tell how a wonderful human being you were with such a great heart. In this painful moment, despite the distance that separates us, we are sending love, thoughts and prayers, from Portugal, to you and your family during this tough time. Família Val. António, Conceição, Tó, Fernanda, Fernando, Vasco e Lena.

Posted by Família Val on January 22, 2021

Exchange Student pot luck in Marlboro

Posted by Linda C Vincent on January 22, 2021

Maria was always a ray of light that will continue to shine in memories of her. She will be missed but not forgotten.

Posted by Linda Vincent on January 22, 2021

I first met Maria years ago shortly after the early loss of her child. Over the years her resilience and energy and full embrace of life and joy, and her mission to bring us along on our own journeys to joy, was a constant. She brought joy and friendship to so many. Dear Maria, you will be missed! To Maria’s family, my deep condolences and may she always be with you in spirit.

Posted by Anita Ballesteros on January 21, 2021

We’re so sorry for your loss! Well miss seeing Maria on her walks around the neighborhood

Posted by Emery’s on January 19, 2021