Maria Spath Haskins

Maria Spath Haskins age 90, of Orlando, Florida passed away Saturday July 29th, 2017. Maria was born in Czech Republic on October 24, 1926. Maria is survived by sons: Robert Haskins (Pam), Gerald Haskins (Lori), Ronnie Haskins, Daughters: Doris Nath (Ken), Betty Watts (Joe), and Patty Brasher (Denny); sister, Gerda Meyer and Arno; Bettina, Frank and Nico along with 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren. Maria was preceded in death by her brother Tony and daughter Anna. Maria was a military wife, mother and friend. She shared her life following her husband of over 50 years together to 5 stateside military base locations, 3 European and enduring time apart while her husband served in Greenland for a year. When military retirement came into focus, the family moved to Orlando in 1971 and called it home. Maria enjoyed the new life of stability, making a home of their own for the family and knowing she would not have to pick up and move again. Maria was a devoted mother that was happy to cook whatever you might want at whatever hour you might ask. She loved to dote on her family with get together on holiday’s, birthdays and any reason that could bring everyone together. She was a wonderful cook and baker and was happiest when everyone was around. She and her husband enjoyed helping their children settle in with their lives and with the next generation as grandparents again extending themselves in making everyone’s life around her better and easier. There was not a life changing event, project, need or want that she wasn’t ready to help with. Maria also enjoyed the family she had left behind when she became a military wife. She was able to travel back to Europe often to visit her mother, sister and brother sharing in the growth of their families and having them visit her in Florida. Maria was at home anywhere with family. Maria enjoyed her retirement years traveling with her husband to visit family, working in the yard, going to flea markets, eating out and taking care of others. She and her husband “adopted” an older childless couple at church and helped them through with all their needs through the different stages of aging and loss. No one could ask for a more devoted friend or family member. Maria’s life took a shock when she found herself a widow. Maria had her faith, family and friends and moved on downsizing her home and building her new life. She loved to shop and decorate, work in her yard, cook and enjoy family. Maria could tell you who had the best soups in Orlando by restaurant and type of soup and loved her afternoon coffee. Maria was always happiest when she was doing something with and for others as it allowed her to focus on someone else. Maria was proud of being able to drive until she was 86. She decided it was time to quit out of fear of hurting someone. Maria suffered some major health setbacks in her later years that included surgery, multiple rehabilitation programs and further progression of her health issues. Maria fought through all, never feeling sorry for herself and always having a kind word and a thank you for all that went out of their way to help her. Maria’s answer to all when asked how she was doing was. “I’m fine”. Maria will be joined with her husband at Woodlawn Memorial Park. A graveside memorial ceremony with immediate family, is schedule for Friday August 18, 2017. It is asked by the family that if you wish to offer a remembrance, to please donate to one of your favorite charities or to St. Jude’s children’s Hospital.

Maria Spath Haskins

October 24, 1926 - July 29, 2017