Obituary of Maria Quiles

Maria Bourdouvalis Quiles, age 49, entered eternal rest on May 19, 2021, having spent her final hours surrounded by her loving family and friends.  Beloved wife to Juan (Bimpie) Quiles and loving mother to Jany Nicole Quiles.   Maria was born in Plainfield, New Jersey to Sofia and Gregory Bourdouvalis.  Maria and her sister Toula were raised in New Jersey until she and her family moved to Bronx, New York in 1984.

Maria married Juan, the love of her life on October 22, 2000 and settled on Heath Avenue in the Bronx, just a few steps from her parents, where they raised their beautiful daughter, Jany.  Maria obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Monroe College and worked at Weill Cornell Medicine New York-Presbyterian, but her passion was working with children for many years prior in day care centers and schools.    Her love of children is proven by all the affection she had for all of the children in her life.  She is a cherished Thea to Christian, Lucas, Georgie, Samuel, Stefan, Jerry, Christos and countless nieces and nephews; an adoring Nouna to Frankie and Christos and adored countless children “on the block.” 

Maria nurtured so many friendships that spanned every facet of her life.  Maria was known for her vibrant personality, her love of music, baking, art, reading, crocheting, cooking, and her passion for life and generosity in always helping others.  Her infectious smile and scarlet lipstick brought a smile to everyone she graced. 

Reposing at Saint Peter Greek Orthodox Church, 3245 Kingsbridge Avenue, Bronx, New York 10463 will be held on Monday, May 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Funeral service to follow.  Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital given her love and compassion for children.