Maria Louisa Oliver, 91, of Coral Springs, FL passed away on Friday, November 28, 2014 at home. Maria was born on January 19, 1923 in Santiago, Cuba to Thomas and Mildred Cathcart.

At the young age of 6, Maria's family migrated to Jamaica where she was raised to be "stoosh." She married Frank Dowding while still residing in her parent's home; they later moved to Grays Inn Estate. After the dissolution of their marriage, she found love once again and married Albert Oliver, with whom she owned and operated Ferry Inn Restaurant in Ferry, Jamaica. Together, with children in tow, they migrated to Canada in 1974 and then to South Florida in 1978. During her years in Florida, Maria worked as nurse. After Albert's death, Maria remained in Florida until her retirement in 1988 upon which she returned to Jamaica once again. At the request of her daughter, Cavelle, and her grandchildren, Maria rejoined the family at their home in Coral Springs.

Being raised in Jamaica as part of a well-to-do family, Maria was always expected to be very proper and sophisticated; the true essense of a lady. She insisted everything was top of the line and the day was not complete without afternoon tea, a glass of wine with dinner, and an evening cocktail. Dinner was served on set table, where she was dressed and made-up appropriately, regardless of that meal being for 1 or 10.

Maria is survived by her daughter, Cavelle Benjamin-Grey; her sons, Frank Dowding and Sydney Dowding; her grandchildren, Anna, Rachael, Sarah, Yakoub, Aisha, Attah, Pya, Richard, and Wayne; along with 11 great grandchildren and 6 siblings. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Frank Dowding and Albert Oliver; her grandson, Michael; and 2 siblings.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Coral Springs Funeral Home, 1420 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071.