Maria Caban was born in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, to Emilia Diaz and Emilio Roman on August 22, 1939. She was the eldest child and maintained loving and protective relationships with her siblings Roberto (Ruben), Juan (Juango), Diosiada (Sadie), Ivan and Josephine (Josie). As a teenager she came to New York with her mother and was tasked with having to learn a new language all while adjusting to a new way of life. Maria was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. She had an insatiable curiosity that she constantly worked to satisfy, even during a time when information was not as readily accessible. As an adult, Maria was blessed with several children, that she loved immensely, Lillian (Lilly), Anthony, Louis (Ceto), Lisa (and later Mariluz). She was the type of parent, the type of woman, who allowed you to come as you were. Maria was committed to extending love and grace to those in her family, even those family members who were not related by blood. Although small in stature, she was fiery and quick witted. She was composed of an internal fortitude that allowed her to overcome challenges that many would believe were insurmountable. Throughout her life, Maria would be known as a gatherer, for holidays and birthdays she wrangled in family from near and far to celebrate together. She prided herself on being a family-oriented woman. Maria peacefully transitioned on October 12, 2024, in Brooklyn New York, after long life led by love for those who were fortunate enough to know her. She is survived by her siblings (Ruben, Juango, Sadie, Ivan and Josie), her children (Lilly, Anthony, Ceto, Lisa and Mariluz), several cousins (including her beloved cousin Luisito Rivera), nieces and nephews, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.