Obituary of Maria Teresa Porras

Maria Teresa Garzon Porras, age 84, of Leonia, passed peacefully on Saturday March 18, 2023. She was born in Ecuador on March 22, 1938 to parents Leonidas Garzon and Delia Herrera. She immigrated to the United States in November 1963 and resided in Manhattan and Brooklyn before settling in Leonia, NJ.

She had a cheerful personality and her smile filled up every room. She was also a very generous and selfless woman who opened her home and arms to friends, family and neighbors. She was a dedicated and charitable Catholic who was always giving back to her community as well as an active member of her parish, St. John's the Evangelist in Leonia.

Moreover, she worked very hard to provide her five children with a strong foundation and was courageous in the strides she took to make her dreams a reality. She uplifted her children, supported them and believed in them wholeheartedly. She was a very proud mother and had her own unique bond with each of her children. She never failed to check in with her loved ones every day, especially her grandchildren, and she treasured their daily conversations. She truly was a devoted matriarch and she embraced her role in her family with pride. Her strong and nurturing character will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Predeceased by her late husband, Segundo Joaquin Porras Zambonino. Devoted mother to Patricio Porras, Leonidas Porras, Dr. Cornelio J. Porras, Fernando Porras and Anita Farfan. Adored grandmother to Christine, Jonathan, Kevin, Christopher, Steven, Ryan, Samantha, Lauren, Valerie, Fernando, and Zachary. Cherished great grandmother to David, Daniel, and Elena. Sister to Mariana and Hna. Gloria Piedad.

The family will receive their friends on Friday 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street "opposite the Fort Lee Library". Funeral mas will take place on Saturday at 10am at St.Johns Leonia NJ.  Donations may be made to the Catholic Charities of New York.