Maria Rose Zivalich

Maria Rose Zivalich passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 26th , 2022 from a ruptured brain aneurysm in Greer, SC. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 29th at 2:30 pm at the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO. Those wishing to donate flower arrangements for the service may contact Babylon Floral at 303-830-6855. Maria was born Maria Rose Ugolini on November 16 th , 1963 in Philadelphia, PA. She was the second-youngest of six children raised by Francis and Nicasia Ugolini. Throughout her adolescence, Maria lived in several cities since her family often traveled for her father’s role in the National Park Service, including: Fairfax, VA; Slidell, LA; Littleton, CO; and Ojai, CA. In Colorado, Maria dated and eventually married her high school boyfriend Martin Zivalich on December 27th , 1984; the couple moved to Hayward, CA near the Alameda Naval Air Station, where Martin worked as a U.S. Marine. In October 1987, they had their first child, Linda, followed by Christopher in December 1989 and Martin in April 1993. Maria spent a large part of her life raising her three children and investing in their wellness as a mother and caretaker. As a gregarious and animated person, she offered her kids a fun and festive approach to parenting by reading stories, singing songs about daily activities, and regularly volunteering on field trips. As her children aged, Maria began working at a few different part-time jobs. She was hired at The Academy in August 2007 and dedicated 15 years of her life there to preschool-aged kids, offering students the same love for life, music, and joy that her children experienced during adolescence. Outside of work and motherhood, Maria was a charismatic friend who could make anyone laugh with her detailed stories and observant perspective. Maria’s infectious communication style kept her family and loved ones close and engaged. She called her mother and children nearly every day--a rare and an admirable level of commitment that was so special and meaningful. In April 2022, Maria made the courageous move to change her life and moved to South Carolina to live with her boyfriend, Keith Williamson, and to be near her daughter and grandchildren. There, she spent eight months building a new life before her sudden passing. She began a new job at Ivybrook Academy and in a short time, left a lasting mark. She was beloved by children and parents of the school alike. Shortly before her death, Maria mentioned how overwhelmed she was by the gifts families gave her. Maria is survived by her parents; her siblings Michael (Wendy), Loraine, Diana, and Vincent; her daughter Linda (Justin) and their children, Jamison and Olive; her son Christopher (Martin), and many other relatives who were permanently changed by Maria’s vivacious spirit and will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her son, Martin Francis Zivalich and her older brother, Joseph Mulia. Lovingly Submitted by the family.

Maria Rose Zivalich

November 16, 1963 - December 24, 2022