Maria "Maruja" E. Sepúlveda

Maria E. Sepúlveda, lovingly known as "Maruja" to her family, friends, and the staff at Life Care Center of Casper, passed away peacefully on August 15th, 2024, in Casper, Wyoming. Born in Mulchén, Chile, Maruja was the youngest of five siblings. She later moved to Santiago, where she married Sergio Madariaga and together they raised their sons, Marcelo and Cristián.

After her divorce, Maruja’s adventurous spirit led her to North America in 1989, where she joined her sons. She settled in Chicago, a city she loved, and where she achieved her GED, earning a scholarship to become a certified nursing assistant. Her compassion for children inspired her to further her education, obtaining a certification in childcare. Maruja dedicated many years as a private nanny, nurturing and caring for the children who were fortunate enough to be in her care.

In her final position, she worked for Laura Cherry, a United Airlines pilot, where she lovingly cared for Kayla and Jenna Merritt from infancy until they were old enough to drive. While caring for Kayla and Jenna, Maruja also indulged her grandchildren, Morgan and Marek, as they all played together, creating cherished memories for the children. Maruja was overjoyed when her grandsons Gabriel and Nathaniel visited from Canada, having them all under her wing, which brought her great happiness.

Maruja was not only a caregiver but also an artist at heart. She introduced her sons, grandchildren, and the children she cared for to the joys of creativity. A talented self-taught seamstress, she crafted custom clothing and brought to life her granddaughter’s fashion sketches with skill and love. She had a deep love for music, particularly the works of André Rieu, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Mario Frangoulis, whose performances brought her much joy. Maruja also had a deep pride in her Chilean heritage; she loved celebrating Chilean Independence Day and often danced La Cueca enthusiastically, sharing her cultural joy with those around her. In the kitchen, no one could make traditional empanadas as good as Maruja’s, and her family often wondered if she left out an ingredient or two to keep the recipe a secret. She was also known for making food from scratch, including her famous "seven-hour cake," a family favorite that her loved ones would joke about but always look forward to.

In Maruja's home, no one ever went hungry. She had a gift for hospitality, always ensuring her guests were well-fed before she joined them at the table. Her warmth and generosity touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Maruja was especially delighted to learn that her granddaughter Morgan is soon to be married to Jesse McCollum, and Morgan was able to share this joyous news with her grandmother before she passed.

Maruja is survived by her sons Marcelo (Marianne Hansen Madariaga) and Cristián (Lidia Soto Velásquez) Madariaga; her grandchildren, Morgan (Jesse McCollum), Marek, Gabriel, Nathaniel, José Tomás, and María Paz Madariaga; and her great-grandchildren, Ezra Madariaga and Madden Downes. She is also survived by her eldest brother, José Sepúlveda, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children. She was preceded in death by her brother Alejandro Sepúlveda, her sisters Gladys and Thelma Sepúlveda, and her parents, María Berta Barrera and Eulogio Sepúlveda Muñoz.

In memory of Maria Sepúlveda. Donations can be made to the Life Care Center of Casper at 4041 S. Poplar St., Casper, WY 82601, with "In Memory of Maria Sepúlveda" in the memo section.

The family wishes to thank Life Care Center of Casper for their loving and devoted care.