devastating 1918 flu pandemic—and then lived long enough to experience COVID-19 more than 100 years later. Her life was bookended by two global pandemics that shaped generations.
Maria wasn’t just a witness to history; she was an enduring part of it. She raised three children, saw the world evolve through radio, television, and smartphones, and outlived her eldest son, who died at 86.
Her story is a rare blend of personal and global resilience. And while many asked for her “secrets,” Maria never claimed to have all the answers. In
