María Antonia Colón Bengoche was born on May 3, 1954 in Balfate Colon Honduras, to Justa Bengoche and Sinferiano Colón. Maria attended Elementary and High School in Honduras. She then moved to Belize, where she attended college to become an English teacher. She then met her first husband (Pablo Lino) and parented four children (Gretchen, Emilie, Hellen, and Pablo).

In 1988 Maria had the opportunity to migrate to America with the help of her family. She lived in Harlem, New York, and pursued a career as a Healthcare Provider, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, and a Herbalife Health Consultant.

In 1990, Maria met her second husband (Oscar Estrada) and parented two additional children (Cristine & Oscar Jr). Maria was blessed to be able to bring her four older children to America in 1994 and adopted her last son Alex Garcia. Maria was a beautiful person who had an amazing spirit. Her heart was pure, and her soul was one of a kind. Maria was a mother to anyone she'd ever encountered. Maria was always naturally nurturing to everyone who crossed her path. She opened her doors to anyone who ever needed her. Maria was a true angel sent from heaven who never passed judgment on anyone. Maria had a smile that would brighten up the room, a laugh that was one of a kind, a laugh that sounded loud and free. Every time she laughed, it would bring laughter to you as well. Maria loved tailoring for others, planting, cooking, and baking.

Maria is survived by Felicito Meléndez, siblings Miriam Morales and Juana Colon, Children Gretchen Lino Hellen Lino, Emelie Lino, Pablo Lino, Cristine Estrada, Oscar Estrada, Alex Garcia, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandkids, cousins, and friends.

Submitted in love and sorrow by The Family