It is with immense sadness that the family shares the news that our beloved Maria “Molly” Aquino has passed. She fought for 2 1/2 years with pancreatic cancer that metastasized to the liver and abdominal organs. She was surrounded by her daughters, her sister, and loving partner.

Molly is survived by her two daughters, Melissa and Marissa, and her life partner of 25 years, Miguel Lopez. She had a deep connection and enormous affection for her older sister, Mercedes “Luchy” Brown and her brother-in-law, Victor Brown. Molly was blessed with 2 daughters who then maximized their family to giving her 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She was present for all her grandkids’ momentous events and was actively involved in each of their lives.

She was an AT&T retiree and maintained friendships with her colleagues. Molly was an active member of the Miramar Neighborhood Watch Committee. She was loved and respected by all members of her community. She easily made friendships with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals and had a genuine respect for their work and research into pancreatic cancer.

Molly was a beautiful woman, who loved to dress in sparkles or animal print. She wore lipstick and made certain her hair and eyebrows were well-groomed. Even in her saddest days, she made sure her eldest daughter applied her makeup, she demanded her home be clutter free, and her partner Miguel had to bring her bouquets of flowers. She had a great sense of humor and frequently sat with her sister watching Spanish novelas or Reality TV shows for hours.

She was a private person during her illness, but was vocal about the importance of keeping God present in our lives and putting our family above all. Molly had a strong Catholic upbringing and was frequently reading scripture to inspire her on good and bad days. She loved Miguel, her daughters, and her grandchildren. She cared about the future and research for pancreatic cancer. During her final days, Molly prayed that with her passing scientist could learn more about the disease and find better treatments or a cure to prolong life. She will be greatly missed.

The family will be having a funeral mass on Thursday, June 20th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 8005 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33025. The inurnment will take place on Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 S State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the American Cancer Society: Memorial Donations for Maria Aquino

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel