Maria Dolores "Lola" Ortiz, 54, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, after a courageous 15-year battle with ovarian, lung, and brain cancer. Born on April 26, 1971, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, Maria brought warmth, laughter, and joy into the lives of all who knew her.
Maria was a vibrant and spirited woman whose presence lit up every room she entered. Known affectionately as "Lola," she had a beautiful smile framed by her distinctive high cheekbones—features that became symbols of her strength and grace. Her life was defined by resilience, love for her family, and an unwavering zest for life.
She was the proud mother of four children: her firstborn and only son Edward Ortiz; her eldest daughter Mariel Ortiz-Beliard; her second daughter Bianca Ortiz; and her youngest daughter Jacqueline Andrade. Maria absolutely adored her eight grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. FaceTiming them brought her immense joy, especially during times when distance kept them apart.
Despite the challenges of living with cancer for over a decade, Maria never let illness define her. She allowed her faith and belief in God to carry her through each treatment. She faced each day with courage and determination—not for herself alone but for the happiness of her children and grandchildren. Even during the most difficult treatments that caused hair loss and fatigue, she remained steadfast in caring for others. Her oncology team admired her deeply for the light she brought into their lives—her laughter, kindness, and unshakable spirit left lasting impressions on everyone around her.
Maria’s passions were as colorful as her personality. She loved to cook delicious meals that brought people together around the table. She found peace in crocheting intricate patterns and painting beautiful canvases that reflected her creative soul. Crafting diamond kits, putting together puzzles, and dancing to Spanish music that moved her heart. She was an amazing dancer. She loved to dance Salsa, Merengue, & Bachata—these were not just hobbies but expressions of who she was: joyful, artistic, and full of life.
The holidays held special meaning for Maria. Every Christmas she would travel to New Jersey to visit Mariel Ortiz-Beliard; her beloved son-in-law Frank Ercolano; and two of her treasured grandchildren, Nico Ercolano and Giavanna Ercolano. These visits were filled with laughter, love, and memories that will be cherished forever. Her bond with Giavanna was especially close; they often shared long FaceTime calls filled with laughter and love. They loved to FaceTime one another for hours on end. Her daughter, Mariel, and son in law, Frank, constantly joked about her patience and ability to stay on a video call for hours with her grand daughter. They would call her their, 'FaceTime babysitter'. She truly enjoyed her grandchildren.
In her last year of life, her one and only son, Edward Ortiz, and her beautiful daughter in law, Amy Marie. Blakeman, paused their lives to be able to care for Maria. Edward and Amy not only took amazing care of Maria's medical needs daily, but they kept her smiling and laughing. Though it was extremely difficult to watch Maria's health quickly decline in the last seven months, they gained the strength to make sure Maria was well cared for.
Maria shared a deep bond with her late mother, Maria D. Ortiz, who passed away in February 2016. Their closeness was a source of strength throughout Maria’s life—a connection that now continues beyond this world.
Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so fiercely: Edward Ortiz; Mariel Ortiz-Beliard; Bianca Ortiz; Jacqueline Andrade; and eight adoring grandchildren whose lives have been shaped by their grandmother’s enduring love.
May Maria Dolores "Lola" Ortiz be remembered for the joy she gave so freely, the strength she carried so gracefully, and the love she spread so generously. Her memory will continue to bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday July 29, 2025, from 08:00 AM to 12:15 PM at Funeraria Multi Culturel, 238 Court Street in Brockton Mass, 02302. Burial to follow in Melrose Cemetery, 88 N Pearl Street Brockton MA 02301.