Maria “Ria” A. Maliszewski, 58, of Brackenridge, PA, journeyed peacefully home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, April 15, 2024. She was the youngest, born December 26, 1965, of the late Henry “Hank” J. and Margaret “Marge” J. (Valasek) Maliszewski. Throughout her life, Maria was a member of the Catholic Church.

A 1983 graduate of Highlands High School, Maria pursued an Associate of Science Degree, graduating in 1987 from Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh. From 1987 through 2021, she held various positions with several employers including Store Manager/Salesclerk, CoGos, Springdale; Director of Operations, Mailboxes Etc., Fox Chapel; Notary Public, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Parts Manager/Charter Coordinator, Air Quest Aviation, Butler; and Administrative Assistant, Refining Process Services (RPS), Cheswick. Consistently maintaining a strong work ethic, she especially excelled at being of service “with a smile” to others.

While living life to the fullest, a range of Maria’s “simple pleasures” included a cup of freshly brewed great-tasting coffee, music/concerts, horse racing events, picnics, gardening, painting, scouting flea markets/estate sales, and preparing/serving tasty meals for family and friends to savor. One of her favorite long-time expressions has been “try it, you’ll like it”! She derived the most joy when others were happy.

Maria is survived by her siblings: Valerie Houle of Brackenridge, Michael Maliszewski (Bernadette Kabay) of Sarver, and Margaret “Margie” M. (Gary) Hoak of Springdale; nephews: Brandon Bucinski (Amy Heinzen) with Sebastian / Oscar Bucinski, and Dustin Houle; nieces: Amber Desiree (Bucinski), Stephanie and Melanie Houle; Uncle Walter and Aunt Marian Valasek, Aunt Dolores “Dolly” O’Connell, and Uncle Ed and Aunt Yvonne Jungle; many cousins; numerous cherished friends; and Joe, her “bff” for nearly 40 years, all of whom she dearly loved.

In addition to her parents, Maria was preceded by her maternal grandparents Michael and Caroline Valasek; paternal grandparents Alexander and Sophia Maliszewski; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and nephew Chad Bucinski.

Maria’s free-spirited, kind, generous, humble nature and warm “golden heart” will be remembered and missed by everyone touched by her love and light. Always a pleasure to be in her company, she simply was a beautiful soul in a “good human”.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, April 19 from 1-3 and 5-7 in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724.224.8688, where a parting prayer service will be held on Saturday, April 20 at 9:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 am in Most Blessed Sacrament Church (Guardian Angels Parish). Burial will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township. In lieu of flowers, Maria’s family suggests contributions in her memory be made to a charity of the donor’s choice or to the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (AVAOC) “Cross on the Hill” or “Food Bank” 1913 Freeport Rd., Natrona Heights, PA 15065. To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.