Maria Del Pilar Matos

María del Pilar Matos passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on February 7th, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. María was born on June 13th, 1931 in Havana, Cuba to Pilar and Ramon Díaz. She was the third of five children. At the age of 19, she graduated from the Escuela Normal de La Habana with a degree in education. That same year, she met her husband, Victor Pelayo Matos, on a bus in Havana and the two married shortly after. Together, they had 5 children in Cuba before leaving the country in 1968. After landing in Miami, Florida, María and Victor traveled by train with their children to Astoria Queens, New York, where they settled momentarily and welcomed their 6th child a year later.

In Cuba and the United States, María was a dedicated educator to students of all ages. In the first part of her career, she spent many years teaching 6th grade at a boys’ school in Havana. In the United States, María taught various levels of elementary school. After moving to Los Angeles in 1978 with her family, she eventually earned a Masters in Education at Cal State Dominguez Hills. For many years, María worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District as an attendance counselor. She spent the majority of this part of her career at Wilmington Middle School, where she helped many students experiencing adversity stay on track with their education.

Throughout her life, María was a devoted Catholic and regularly contributed to her church communities. In Los Angeles, she attended both St. Philomena and St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church where she made beautiful friends. At St. Philomena, she served as a Eucharist minister and contributed to services by leading her congregation in prayer.

María was a vivacious and gregarious woman her entire life. Fondly known as “Beba” or “Yeya”, she is remembered by her loving nature, authenticity, and her commitment to service. She was predeceased by her husband, Victor, her sisters, Regina and Elena, her brother, Carlos, and her daughter, Pilar. She is survived by her youngest brother, 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at st.jude.org.