Maria Mercedes Zaldumbide

Maria Mercedes Zaldumbide, affectionately known as “Michita,” of Frederick, MD, formerly of Rockville, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 30, 2023 at Kline Hospice House following a diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She was born September 20, 1931, in Quito, Ecuador, daughter of the late Vicente and Rosa Murillo. 

Maria is survived by her cherished husband of 65 years, Juan Zaldumbide Sr., whom she married December 13, 1958. Their love served as a beautiful example of commitment and mutual support for all who knew them. In addition to her devoted husband, Maria will be forever missed by her children Maria Fahey (married to Daniel), Sandra Campbell (married to Eric) and Juan Zaldumbide (married to Julie) and her beloved grandchildren Christina Fahey, Michael Fahey, Stephanie Fahey Sexton, John Campbell, Emily Campbell, Griffin Snyder, Jake Snyder, and Aiden Zaldumbide to whom she is lovingly known as “Viba.” She is also survived by her sister Blanca Vaca and numerous nieces and nephews who reside both in Ecuador and throughout the United States. 

Maria is preceded in death by her siblings Anita Manzano, Victor Murillo, Carlos G. Murillo, Julio Murillo, Laura Erazo and Teresa Balarezo.

As a young woman with an adventurous spirit in Ecuador, it had always been Maria’s dream to travel to the United States. With her husband Juan they emigrated to the United States, bravely leaving everything behind, including their family and friends, to start a new life. They became US citizens and settled in Maryland where Maria worked as a professional seamstress. She used her talent to create beautiful home décor. And, with an eye for fashion, she made clothing for her children and grandchildren. Cooking was another one of her many talents. An exceptional cook she mastered Ecuadorian cuisine from growing up in Ecuador and brought with her this knowledge to nourish her family and friends. If you happened to stop by the Zaldumbide’s at dinner time, you would have been invited to stay and enjoy a delicious meal. Maria’s interests spanned far and wide. She loved gardening, crafting, art, ceramics, reading, and traveling, especially to the beach, with her kids and later, her grandkids. 

Maria was a woman of unwavering faith, a devoted Catholic who always turned to God in prayer for spiritual guidance. 
Maria will always be remembered for her loving heart as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend as well as for her devotion and commitment to her family.
 

“A celebration of life will be held Friday, January 12th, 11:00 am at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 8428 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick, Maryland. A reception after mass service at Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant, 581 Himes Avenue Frederick, Maryland to follow.”

If attending the reception please RSVP before January 4, 2024 to mzfahey@verizon.net or juanzaldumbide@comcast.com 
or sandycampbell62@msn.com. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to Frederick Health Hospice, www.frederickhealthhospice.org.