Maria Elena Corrales (née Abal) was born on October 25, 1947, in Havana, Cuba, to Gonzalo Hugo Abal and Elena Abal (née Iglesias).

She enjoyed sharing wonderful memories of growing up in Cuba, but in 1960, she and her family were fortunate enough to escape to the United States. She was immensely proud to become a naturalized American citizen.

Maria Elena met her husband, Carlos, on a blind date, and after a few months, they were engaged. They married on December 23, 1966, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Miami. Soon after, they moved to Iowa for Carlos’s schooling, which opened up a whole new world for her. Over the years, she made lifelong friends as they lived in four different states before eventually settling in Florida.

Together, they raised three children and were actively involved in St. Lawrence Church and school for over 40 years. The numerous photographs with family and friends capture a life filled with cherished memories.

Maria Elena is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Gonzalo (1983) and Elena (1996). She leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Carlos Sr.; her children Carlos Jr. (with daughter-in-law Lil and grandchildren Franky and Cristina), Mimi (with son-in-law Patrick and grandchildren Coleen [Seth] and four great-grandchildren—Patrick, Robert, Katharina, and Isley), Jake (with Anthony) and Shannon (with Matt); and her daughter Cristina and her three children, Mariela (and great-grandsons DJ and Antonio Jr.), JC, and Miracle. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Cristina Rilla; her two nephews, Carlos and Danny; and multiple grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with a prayer service starting at 7:00 PM, at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care. The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 1:00 PM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.