In Loving Memory of María Teresa Finol de Urdaneta (1939–2025)

María Teresa Finol de Urdaneta passed away peacefully at her home in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on July 28, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 86. Born on June 16, 1939, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, María Teresa’s life was defined by devotion to family, deep faith, and a quiet, steady commitment to serving others. A proud zuliana, María Teresa carried the warmth and traditions of Maracaibo wherever she lived. She married engineer and public servant Gilberto Urdaneta Besson, and during his tenure as Governor of the state of Zulia (1979–1982), she was widely recognized as First Lady of Zulia. In that role and throughout her life, she championed community, cultural, and child-focused causes, supporting institutions that strengthened families and expanded opportunities for young people across the region. After leaving the Governor’s Office, she went back to school and founded SUSEGURO, which she built and organized from the ground up, and which today remains a successful insurance brokerage firm.

Those who knew her remember María Teresa for her grace, generosity, and unfailing hospitality. She had a gift for making everyone feel seen and welcomed, and she led by example, quietly, faithfully, and without seeking the spotlight. Her greatest joy was her family, and she was at her happiest when her home was full of conversation, music, and laughter. María Teresa is survived by her beloved husband, Gilberto; by her children, Cristina and Scott, Gilberto and Ines, Oscar and Ana, Ninfa and Felix, Javier and Claudia and Leonardo, and grandchildren; Leonardo, Andrea, Maria Teresa, Gilberto, David, Enrique, Daniel, Marcella, William, Ana Paula, Amanda, Alesia, Antonieta, Mario, Isabel, Sara y Andres; by her great grandson, Vincenzo; who will carry forward her example of kindness and service; and by a large extended family and many dear friends in Venezuela and abroad who will miss her deeply.

Maria Teresa leaves a great void in the Urdaneta and Finol families. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was unity, respect, affection, and love. We feel so proud, fortunate, and blessed to have had her with us all these years. Rest in peace. We love you today and for all eternity!

With deep faith in God and gratitude for her life, on the one-month anniversary of her passing, we invite you to the Mass that will be celebrated for her eternal rest on August 28, 2025, at 7 PM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 14187 SW 72nd St, Miami, FL 33183. Her parish, St John XXIII Catholic Church, 16800 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33027, is offering a Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the repose of her soul Sunday September 14, 2025, at noon. On the second-month anniversary of her passing, we invite you to the Mass that will be celebrated for her eternal rest on September 28, 2025, at 12 PM at St John XXIII Catholic Church, 16800 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33027.

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd Panciera Family Funeral Care.