Maria shared her life with her beloved husband, Jacques Cayere, Sr. (Jacq) who pre deceased her by 37 days and was waiting for her to arrive. 

Maria was born December 11, 1943 in Santurce, Puerto Rico to Jose & Iris Perez. Maria attended Academia Sagrado Corazón where she met the love and companion of her life, Jacq. They have been together since the ages of 14 & 13. Their birthdays were on the same day one year apart, they were born at the same hospital, and were delivered by the same doctor. They were married on June 1, 1963, and quickly began their adventures traveling all over the world landing wherever the Army sent them.

Many did not know that as a young woman Maria was an accomplished concert pianist and also went to secretarial school after high school. However, on June 1, 1963, she moved forward to devote her life, love, and attention to Jacq, his career in the Army, her children, and her grandchildren.

Maria was a rock during Jacq’s military career, especially during his two tours in Vietnam while they had two small children. She truly lived the quote, “behind every strong soldier, there is an even stronger woman who stands behind him, supports him, and loves him with all her heart”.

This continued even when the military was behind them. In 1985, Maria helped Jacques transition from the military to civilian life by standing with and working by his side as they opened a local CPA firm in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Maria will be remembered by all for her beautiful smile, her warmth, her gentle yet fiery nature, and her style. She is already deeply missed.

Maria is survived by; brothers Jose, Javier, and Rafael Perez Ferrari; son Jacques Cayere, Jr. (Leigh Anna Cayere); son Jose Cayere (Sharron Cayere); daughter Cristina Cayere; daughter Kathy Novitsky; and grandchildren, Marta, Joseph, Jacques III, David, Anna Maria, Kaz, Virginia, Shaw, and Caroline.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Selome and Marta, her caregivers, and all the nurses from Promedica Hospice who gave Maria outstanding care during her fight with Alzheimer’s Disease.