Maria Sponcia Obituary

Maria Cordero Raines Sponcia, 86 of Greeneville, TN passed away peacefully on July 16th. She fought the good fight and finished the race and kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 & Isaiah:40:31
Maria was born to Rafael and Ana Cordero in Puerto Rico on October 9th, 1938. She was preceded in death by her husband Pasquale Sponcia and her brother Marcos Cordero. She is survived by her daughter Christine Hawk (Chris), sons Alan Raines (Samantha) and Paul Sponcia (Alexa), step sons John Sponcia (Joyce), Dominick Sponcia (Debbie) and Steve Sponcia (Lorie). She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren that she cherished-Ryan Hawk (Lisa), Charity Njesada (Ndolembai), Emily Moughon (Luke), Lauren Foshie (Nathan), Savannah Mitchell (Hayden), Lucas Raines, Samantha, Alex, Hartly,and Easton Sponcia and great grandchildren Zachary, Landry, Caleb, Meelom, Kate, Karis, Naomi, Gabriel, Mila, Lucia and Palmer. She is also survived by her brother Rafael Cordero and aunt Nilda James and a multitude of cousins.
Maria will always be remembered by her generous heart of compassion and empathy for those less fortunate. She was a true LPN when it came to her love of people with special needs, ministering to so many while working at Greene Valley Developmental Center, Greene County Skills, Greeneville High School, and finally retiring from the Early Learning Program. She also worked at Takoma Hospital in labor and delivery where she loved caring for mothers and babies. Maria was also a volunteer in various settings, including the health department and schools, sharing her language of Spanish and translating for those in need. She was proud of her heritage and delighted in playing a part in helping someone to understand the language.
Maria loved to cook and shared her love of cooking Puerto Rican food with her family. She made wonderful meals during the holidays as well as the many desserts she served to her family and friends. During her marriage to Pasquale she also learned to cook authentic Italian food.
She was a member of Word of Life Church in Johnson City and attended as long as her health permitted. When she wasn't able to drive anymore, her dear friend Sylvia would pick her up so she could still attend the services. Maria was a devout Christian and was an avid prayer warrior for anyone and everyone that would ask her to pray.
Maria leaves behind a family that she cultivated with her faith and her determination of love to future generations. She will be having a private graveside service at a later date. The family wishes to thank Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, Laughlin Healthcare, Holly Parvin NP, Jackie Pauley CNA and Dr Afalaka. Also, we would like to thank Linda, Barbara, and Sylvia for their years of friendship and love given to Maria. Her part time caregivers during the last few months-Brenda, Cindy and Pam. Her daughter, Christine was a dedicated, loyal advocate during her last years.