Maria Rosa Demidowicz, 95, passed away on August 1, 2025, at SUNY Upstate Medical University after a brief illness.

Maria was born in Madrid, Spain, the daughter of the late Luis Rodriguez Perez and Maria del Carmen Mosquera Martinez.

Maria met her late husband John in Madrid, Spain, in 1956, while John was studying at the University of Madrid for his doctoral degree in Spanish literature. Their relationship immediately took root until John ultimately returned to Spain to marry Maria in Madrid in 1963.

They spent 65 years together and created an incredible collection of memories. Memories that Maria made sure were focused on family, from when her son Robert was born to the birth of her grandson Eric. This provided her with great joy and happiness. So many amazing experiences from vacationing on the beach in Gandia, Spain, with Bob and his cousins to watching Bob play tennis for Bishop Cunningham High School. Those memories quickly shifted to Eric, driving him around Upstate NY for youth golf tournaments, to spending many days with Eric in Iowa. Maria also cared deeply for her faithful dog Duke, who preceded her in death. Duke's love and compassion for Maria and John were a true example of unconditional love. Maybe the cookies and ice cream had something to do with it.

When Maria wasn't spending time with John traveling to Madrid while he did his research in Spanish literature, she spent time teaching Spanish in the Oswego School District. While teaching, Maria wanted to bring her love of Spain to her students. Students whom she cared deeply for and wanted to ensure that they ultimately mastered the Spanish language.

Maria leaves behind her son Robert and partner Dottie Adams of Agawam, Massachusetts, her grandson Eric and his mother Julia Demidowicz of Webster, MA, her sisters Maria del Carmen, Maria Luisa, and Maria del Pilar in Spain, as well as many extended family members in Spain.

Maria touched the lives of so many. She will be dearly missed.

Maria's family would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the entire 5th floor professional staff at SUNY Upstate Medical University for their amazing and compassionate care not only for Maria but to the family.

Calling hours will be held from 4-6 pm on Wednesday, August 6th, at the Nelson Funeral Home.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, August 7th, at the Newman Center.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made on behalf of Maria Demidowicz to St. Jude Childrens' Research Hospital.