Maria A. Abate

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine 

Abate, Maria A. age 74, of Dayton, OH, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on March 7, 1950, in Brooklyn, NY, she was the beloved daughter of Vincent and Alice Abate. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Timothy James Bagford of Fairborn, OH.

Maria is survived by her devoted children, Vincent Bagford (Xuan Ha), Amarett Bagford (Ryan Williamson) and Alice Noel Bagford and her cherished grandchildren, T.J. Henry, Aniya Matthews, Noli Williamson, and Alice Bagford. 

She also leaves behind her dear brothers and sister, Bob Abate (niece, Alina; nephews, Chris and Nick), Thomas Abate (Carol) and Tina Atkins (Greg); as well as countless friends and extended family members who were blessed to know her.

Maria was a woman of unshakable faith, beauty inside and out, endless love, and unwavering strength. She lived with an open heart, welcoming everyone into her home with warmth, kindness, and, of course, a home-cooked meal. She embodied the very spirit of hospitality-selfless, generous, and always putting others before herself.

Over the past seven years, Maria faced the battle of her life against multiple myeloma, acute leukemia, and lesions in her brain. But even in the face of unimaginable challenges, she never wavered in her faith. She seldom complained, choosing instead to uplift those around her with prayer, partaking in Holy Communion, wisdom, humor, and love. She found solace in her belief that God has a plan, and that faith carried her-and all of us-through even the hardest days.

Maria’s greatest joy was family. She cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, sharing long conversations on the porch swing, taking country drives, reminiscing about the past, and dreaming about the future. She had an uncanny ability to make every person feel seen, valued, and loved.

She was a guiding light, a healer of hearts, a woman who left an impression on every soul she met. Her strength was unmatched, her love immeasurable, and her faith unbreakable

Maria believed that life’s greatest purpose was not just to endure, but to love deeply, give freely, and walk in faith. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will live on in the lives she touched and the love she poured into the world.

Family will welcome visitors at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek) on Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Funeral Service will be at Calvary Cemetery Chapel (1625 Calvary Ave, Dayton) on Monday, February 17, 2025 at 10:00am.

Following funeral, in true Maria hospitality, the family welcomes all to the Kettering American Legion Post 598 (Kentshire Rd) for a Celebration of Maria from 1:00pm- until the sparkles wear off! 

Flowers can be sent to the American Legion.

Donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse as she always believed in helping those in need.

We will forever carry her love in our hearts and honor her memory through the way we live-by showing kindness, offering a helping hand, and never forgetting the power of faith.

Mom, your journey on this earth is complete, but your love will remain with us forever.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

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