Maria E. Wolcott
Maria E. Wolcott, 77, of Derrick City, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Erie County Medical Center, in Buffalo, NY.
Born on March 12, 1947, in Santiago de Chuco, Peru, she was a daughter of the late Antonio and Angela Aguilar Escobedo.
Maeia graduated high school in Peru and later graduated in 1970 from Inca Gacilaso De La Vega University in Lima, Peru, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Education and Childcare. She worked for an organization helping orphans and children in Hauraz, Peru after a major earthquake there where she met Chris Wolcott, her future husband, who was working there in the Peace Corps. They married on July 20, 1972, in Lima, Peru.
After coming to the United States in 1973, Maria worked at the Children's Home in housekeeping and then as a childcare worker. She later taught Spanish at Bradford Central Christian High School for many years until its closing and part time at the University Pittsburgh at Bradford. She also taught Spanish at The Learning Center and worked at the YMCA Day Care Center until illness forced her to retire.
Maria was a member of the Sigma Alpha Sorority, Ladies Investors of Bradford and the Derrick City Coffee Group. She enjoyed crocheting and needle point, gardening, watching hummingbirds and spending time on the family houseboat on the Kinzua Dam. Maria was a vibrant, energetic dynamo who loved life and especially loved working with and being around children and they loved her back.
Surviving in addition to her husband Chris of 51 years, is one son, James A. (Mary) Wolcott, of Bethel Park, one beloved granddaughter, Zoe Maria, one brother, Ramses Escobedo, of Lima, Peru, and several nieces and nephews in Peru.
She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, Magda, Nora, Olga, Prisco, Antonio, and Manuel.
A Celebration of Maria's Life will he held at a date to be announced.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to The Learning Center, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
All Condolences -
I worked with Maria at the YMCA Childcare. I got to see the love she showered on the children. She made time to share her heritage with all the children and was loved by all the staff, children and parents.Till we meet again??Maria.
— Ann Jacek
So very sorry for your loss Chris and family
— Rick Yeager
Chris, I am so sorry to hear about Maria. My heart goes out to you and your family. God Bless You, Mike Sposato
— Mike Sposato
My dear Maria! who never spoke a word in Spanish to me, while I was in the States as an exchange student from Chile, so I could learn the language faster! she was such loving soul and fun to be around. So much respect for the purpose of the life she lived. All the love to her family. Un beso al cielo María!
— Paulina Garcés
Dear Chris and James, all family! So sorry for your loss. So many memories of our younger days, she was the best Godmother to Adam, kind to my entire family. Till we meet again, RIP old friend!
— Patricia A. Kelly
I am so sorry to learn of Maria’s passing….such a wonderful woman. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you, Chris….and to the entire family and all of Maria’s friends.
Mike and Nancy Sage
— Mike Sage
Dear Chris, James and Family,
Deeply saddened at the loss of Maria. I
will always remember our wonderful trips to Spain & Costa Rica with the B.C.C class. My son, Eamon, and I had a ball on these trips. Will be sorely missed by this wonderful teacher. Rest in peace, Maria. Prayers for you and family.
Christine & Pat Geary
— Christine Geary
Senora, I will always remember you as a ball of energy with a beautiful smile and a big heart. You were a bright light at Bradford Central Christian. Sending her family much love.
— Renee Uscinski White
Chris & Family, So very sorry to hear of your loss.
— quentin stiefel
James , I was so very saddened and sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Mother. You, Mary and your Family will all be in my prayers.
— Karen Heller
Chris & Family, So very sorry to hear of your loss. Maria was a sweetheart.
— Carl Milks
Maria will be so deeply missed. She certainly was a dynamo. She touched so many lives with her knack of teaching with love and humor. Our deepest sympathies to Chris and James.
— Mark and Debbie George
I was so sorry to hear of Maria''s death. She was one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. My condolences to Chris and James.
— Benjamin Yeager
I was a neighbor to the Wolcotts for many years. Maria was always full of spunk and smiling and happy!! My very best to Chris, James and family. Maria was one of a kind to never be forgotten.
— Linda Meredith (Yeager)
Maria was a wonderful caring teacher, she watched my boys at the Y and then taught them Spanish at TLC. Deepest condolences
— Lynn Lunn
One of the sweetest people you will ever meet..RIP Maria
— Lori and Jeff Vecellio
Dear Chris,
So sorry to learn of Maria’s passing. I hope her final days were peaceful. She provided so much good to so many. May she rest in peace and may you find peace in knowing you had a wonderful life with her by your side. Chris (Wilson) and Dan Minich
— Christine Minich
Chris, I was sadden to hear of Maria''s passing. May God give you peace and understanding at the difficult time.
— Larry Yeager
Chris, James and family,
Our hearts hurt so badly. We are so sorry that we lost such a dear person. So many fond memories . . .Hugs and prayers
— Debbie and John Place