Maria was born in Hoboken, New Jersey to John and Margaret Mastromarino. She was a top scholar at Cliffside Park High School and attended Montclair State University on a full scholarship. She graduated with degrees in special education and speech therapy. She was an elementary special education teacher in Fairview, New Jersey and a high school special education teacher at Piscataway Vo-Tech High School before moving to Texas. Despite her strong New Jersey accent, or perhaps because of it, she was offered a position as a speech therapist in Arlington Independent School District. She was a beacon and advocated for children for over 30 years until her health forced her to the sidelines. Not one to let any grass grow under her feet, she started a home-based travel agency, High Road Travel, that specialized in travel for people with disabilities.
Though Maria never allowed her ailments to define her, she became involved in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society where she and her husband, Tony, were integral members of the support group, But You Look So Good, where they participated in the annual Walk MS: Fort Worth event to help raise money to find a cure as well as empower those living with and affected by MS. Her loving husband and number one supporter gathered 70 people and 2 dogs to walk in honor of Maria at the Walk MS: Fort Worth 2023 event that took place just the day before her passing.
Maria is known for her strength and determination, and her love of travel. Maria traveled to Russia, Spain, Greece, Croatia, England, Norway, Denmark and Sweden et al but her favorite destination was Italy, which she visited 5 times. Maria loved visiting with her son and daughter-in-law, especially when her grandson arrived. She was a gym rat, working out 3-4 times a week. She lived a life full of love, family, and friends, but always made time for church and giving back. In 2014, the local magazine Mansfield Now wrote an incredible article that encapsulates Maria’s life and purpose; you can read the article here.
Maria is survived by her incredibly good-looking husband of 36 years, Tony; her son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Athena Casamento; her grandson, Deno Casamento; her sister, Paula Mastromarino; and many other close family and friends.
In honor of Maria, please donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society here and come back here for updates regarding services.
Such a strong, beautiful and determined woman! I have known Maria since our kids were little from the St Joseph babysitting co-op. Sharing commonalities such as sons, teaching, and travel, we have been friends for a long time. Maria’s determination to carry on just got stronger and stronger as her disease progressed. This world will miss her dearly, but she is at peace. Prayers for you and your family, Tony.
I am so sorry to hear this. While I just met Maria and Tony in September they made me feel like I’d known them forever! Sending much love and many prayers to Tony and all Maria’s loved ones! You all are in my thoughts! God Bless!
I am so thankful we were able to share our MS journey together. She was dear friend that will be missed . Such a treasure and blessing.. Tony, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Maria! I appreciated her dedication to our mutual students at Rankin Elementary. She and I had such good collaborations when working with our students and good discussions of how best to support them in the classroom. She kept up with me when I moved to California and I loved hearing about the tours she planned for travelers. I especially liked hearing about the “Breaking Bad” tour in Albuquerque. She had a quick wit and was always the sweetest. Tony, I an grateful for your good communication during this time when Maria could not. Prayers and love to you and the family. I will miss Maria. 💥💜💥💙💥💚💥❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Tony we're so sad to hear about Maria. Sending prayers for peace and comfort for you, Keith and your family.