Maria L. Ayala

Maria Luisa Ayala, 97, returned to the loving arms of the Lord on December 31, 2020 in her home surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Cidra, Puerto Rico to the late Juan Sanchez and the late Marcolina Velez. She was married for more than 40 years to the late Antonio Ayala. Maria and her husband migrated to Bridgeport, CT with her husband over 63 years ago. She was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary's Church especially with the "Cofradias" and generously giving of herself to serve the Lord. Along with her dedication to the Lord, Maria also was a committed mother in raising her children with exceptional values and morals and ensuring they pursued a higher education. She was a generous person who was loving and witty. Her incredible ability to create delicious meals will be missed by all. Maria leaves to cherish her memories her loving children; Pedro and his wife Migdalia, Norma and Eileen, her adoring grandchildren Pete and his wife Kristen, Mindy, German, Kenneth and Cristian, and her darling great-grandchildren Genevieve and Penelope, her St. Mary's family and a host of friends and relatives. All are welcomed to attend calling hours on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at Funeraria Luz de Paz, 426 East Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. A mass will follow at St. Mary's Church at 12:00 noon at 599 Pembroke Street, Bridgeport, CT. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, 885 Boston Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. Please be advised that due to the current Corona Virus Pandemic the Health Department Regulations and the State of Connecticut have re implemented the status of Phase 2 for the protection and safety of all the residents of Connecticut. - Therefore, During viewing times the ONLY ENTRANCE into the Funeral Home will take place through the BACK ENTRANCE of the Funeral Home (FRONT ENTRANCE CLOSED) -In accordance to the Parameters set forth in Phase 2 of COVID 19 by the State of Connecticut, a maximum number of 43 persons are permitted inside our facility at the same time and any persons above that permitted amount will not be granted access until those friends which have entered the facility prior to the maximum reached, safely exit allowing the same number of guests that exit, to come inside. Again, the maximum number of persons, family , friends, acquaintances, elderly etc. cannot and will not exceed 43. Please understand, our efforts will entail announcing when a line is outside and people have not exited so that those inside can consider those outside in line. We can only encourage others that are NOT immediate family to kindly go outside, therefore permitting those patiently in line to exit enter the funeral home masks are ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED. -Entrance is granted into our facility for those who exhibit a mask which covers their MOUTH AND NOSE and such mask MUST REMAIN ON CORRECTLY during entire visit. We regret to inform all guests that regardless of relationship to deceased and/ or family member, such safety measures are not up for debate, nor negotiable by our firm and we cannot compromise the integrity of the safety measures set forth by exceeding the aloted numbers or excuse anyone for not utilizing the required face coverings. -HUGGING AND /OR KISSING any member of the immediate family and/or friends is strongly discouraged, but be advised the Funeral Home, its representatives and or staff members assisting throughout the services cannot and will not assume any responsibility for anyone becoming exposed due to them not adhering to the rules and regulations set forth while inside our facility nor in the funeral services for such deceased in their entirety. Please remember everyone, we understand the trialing time our Country, State and City is found in. Therefore, we are requesting anyone whom is considering attending a service which will be held by our firm, in our facility. We are requesting ALL those in attendance to attend with a mindset of our unwaivering commitment to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth of such policies and procedures, only created by our Health experts for the benefit of everyone in attendance in as a society in General. . Nobody has any other intention and/ or reason but to protect the health and well being of us all and any interaction other than that as ladies and gentlemen and as such expect the same interactions in return. Any other method and/or interaction is not considered appropriate and will terminate any persons visit immediately. It is our exclusive purpose of protection of your health, and those in attendance at the services from possible exposure to a virus which as affected so many in a negative fashion. If we have to bring something to someone's attention regarding such procedures not being adhered, we ask kindly to keep in mind it is not our goal to humiliate anyone but yet kindly remind everyone regarding our masks if not covering our nose and mouths to please do so. We do not know many, relationships etc. nor is our staff aware of all relationships, nor will it be part of what our intended purpose to have to address anything inside or outside but in the same fashion we are trying to maintain a safe and comfortable atmosphere, you allow us and assist us in making sure such integrity of the safety is never compromised. We want you to go home, the same way you have arrived, healthy and well! Nobody within our firm will ask anyone to do something to be spiteful, nor be mean or intrusive, etc. and we understand its a sensitive time, but not doing so, exposes you not only to a virus but having to possibly deal with another funeral because of not keeping such details in mind. Therefore, we are kindly requesting that any interactions between all staff and Directors with the public be considered our way of caring....WE lose nothing by not caring, we lose nothing by walking away, but not caring is not in our DNA and has always been. You have come to expect this from our firm and nothing less. If need be and more than once a person is asked to be sure your mask is in its place then we it will have to be addressed again and although excuses as to why any lack of adherence to policies and procedures set forth for everyone's health are understandable, but adherence to the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others is not negotiable and deliberate violation of the rules set forth by the Connecticut Department of health and the Governor's executive orders, will have to be addressed accordingly. If cooperation is not provided upon request, you may be asked to leave our facility immediately and entrance will no longer be granted. Again, this is not our mission, not our goal, yet an atmosphere which all may share inside and outside our firm about a life well lived and if outside you want to remain without any protection we are not here to tell people anything while not inside our firm, that is your decision, so please keep in mind, its the protocol uncomfortable or not, also not meant to be mean or condescending. Again, such actions are meant to try to correct and/or prevent a possible exposure from occurring that may cost the life of someone with a delicate health condition whether it be towards yourself or another person. Everyone has the right to their opinion and do as they wish, but just like we all must have a level of decorum when at certain places, functions and public locations, and municipal facilities and more, adherence to such policies is required wherever we go, , We strive to make this a seamless process but of course, it is only with the full cooperation of everyone in attendance to follow instructions thus facilitating and making this process one of least involvement of any family member due to non compliance of such rules and regulations by any guest or distant family member. Above all, the least possible stress to a family handling one of the most challenging times ever in their lives.