Maelinda (Piedad) Santa Maria

49, of Cranston, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2015, surrounded by her family, at Rhode Island Hospital. Providence. She was the beloved wife of Neville Matroos. Born in Zamboanga City, Philippines on the 15th of September, 1965, she was a daughter of Ismael and Erlinda (Almonte) Piedad. Mae was a Registered Nurse employed by Kent Hospital, Warwick. She was a graduate of Ateneo de Zamboanga College of Nursing, class of 1990. After the passing of her husband Gerry, Maelin moved to East London, South Africa in 1992 with her only child Rhys. They resided there for fourteen while she resumed nursing at Kennersley Park. Mae married Neville in 1998 and began their new life together. In 2006, Maelin finally achieved her lifelong dream of moving to the United States to work as a Registered Nurse. Rhode Island became her new home. Throughout her travels and work, Maelin fought a battle with cancer for nineteen years- a battle which she won numerous times. She persevered through countless treatments and hospital visits. Maelinda truly embodied what it means to be a cancer survivor. Besides her devoted husband and parents, Mae is survived by her loving son Rys Santa Maria of Cranston. She was the cherished sister of Ismeal Piedad Jr. of San Antonio, TX, Ena Marie Balan of Millersville, MD, Theovaris Piedad and Ian Patrick Piedad both of Beverly, MA. Mae's Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church of West Warwick, 1613 Main Street, West Warwick. VISITING HOURS are respectfully omitted. Her family would like to thank everyone for their continued love and support. Rest in Peace.

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