Maria Luisa Wilkes

Mrs. Maria Luisa Wilkes, 85, of Frederick, Maryland, died peacefully on February 6, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family..

Maria Luisa was born April 19, 1936 in Marina de Pisa, Italy.  She was the daughter of late Liberato Marcantuono and Maria “Caterina” Tarantini Marcantuono. She was a loving wife of William V. Wilkes for 60 years.  Maria Luisa and William raised 3 children; Eleanor Maria Wilkes of Frederick, MD, Catherine Maria Wilson (Richard) of Frederick, MD, Robert Vincent Wilkes Sr. (Wendee) of Middletown, MD.

Maria Luisa was preceded in death by her sisters, dearest Liliana Santoro and dearest Yolanda and Vincent Hickey. She is survived by her sister Margherita Pizzuto (Ken), Silvana Tomasicchio, Benito Marcantuono (Maria), Vincenzo Marcantuono (Giuseppina) and her grandchildren; Robert V. Wilkes Jr. (Tara), Michael O. Wilkes (Bailey), Kira J. Wilkes, Kenneth A. Honaker Jr. (Stephanie), Vincent M. Wilkes, Trey Wilkes, Emily L. Pasco (Philip), Matthew F. Wilson (Brianne), Scott A. Wilson. Her great grandchildren; Arii, Robert III, Finn, Kenneth III, Korie, Seraphina, Callie, Clover, and baby girl Wilson, due in April. Her brothers-in-law; Alan Wilkes, David Wilkes and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and cousins (Hickey, Marcantuono, Gagliardi, Santoro, Tarantini and Muto ) who she loved so dearly.

Maria Luisa immigrated from Pisa, Italy to the United States in 1956. Italian visas were limited at the time, so fortunately she was able to immigrate with her mother’s Brazilian visa, then she worked hard to learn the English language and became an American citizen. She was truly patriotic, loved the United States, the American Flag and all that it represents. She has lived in Camden, New Jersey, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Falling Waters, West Virginia and Frederick, Maryland.

Maria Luisa, never wanted to stop learning, a talented seamstress, she worked in Philadelphia making US military uniforms. Later she worked as a nursing assistant while living in Minnesota.  With an unstoppable work ethic and limited formal training, became a self-made chef, owner and CEO of Crown Catering by Maria, Inc. She was a wonderful generous boss who took very good care of all her employees. She often worked with local employment training programs to assist individuals coping with disabilities to gain meaningful employment.

Maria Luisa enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She loved watching baseball, basketball, field hockey and wrestling. She also loved watching her favorite baseball team, the Orioles. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Churches she belonged to in the many places she’s lived. She also volunteered for her church in the hospitality committee and as a Eucharistic volunteer. Maria Luisa loved the Lord Jesus Christ, was a devout Roman Catholic and an advocate for the unborn her entire life.  She took so much pride in her beautiful collection of Blessed Virgin Mary statues and rosaries.

Maria  Luisa enjoyed volunteering at local nursing homes and hospitals as a nurse’s aide. She loved all God’s creation, especially nature, dogs, cats, and birds.  She loved fine music, clothing, jewelry and wine. She especially loved gardening. In her retirement she loved to shop and host yard sales.  Her happiest times were traveling to see her family.  Her passion for sewing, knitting, and crocheting was evident throughout her life. She created hats, scarves, clothing, and blankets for her grandchildren and those less fortunate.

She loved cooking and hosting her family and friends. She cherished a full dinner table surrounded by her loved ones.  Affectionately known as Nonna, she always had a large pot of pastina soup on the stove for her grandchildren’s visits.  She was a giver and seeker of peace.  Maria Luisa was a strong woman, a child a survivor of war, and her warm home was always a shelter to many.  She lived her lifelong personal mission: If I feed a stranger then I have made a friend for life.

The Funeral Mass will be private.  In line with her ambitions and to help young apprising chefs, (in lieu of flowers) a culinary scholarship has been established in her name.  Checks may be made payable to Frederick County Career and Technology Center (CTC) Enter “ Chef Maria Luisa” in the memo line.  Mail to: 7922 Opossumtown Pike Frederick, MD 21702

A CTC donation letter will be mailed to the address listed on the donor’s check as a receipt.  All donations will be tax deductible and acknowledged.