Maria Elena Viale-Rigo, 50, of Coral Springs, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2015 at her residence. Maria was born in Venezuela to Sebastian Viale-Rigo and Cecilia de la Cruz Gonzalez.

Guri, as she was affectionately known, showed love for nature and wildlife, from a very young age. She developed care and affection for a wide variety of animals and their environment, especially those in need of nurturing and healing. As she matured, such keen interest became integral to her formation, thus committing her education to environment protection and conservation. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology in Venezuela's Central University (U.C.V.), as well as receiving advanced Master-level education (U.S.B.), which embarked her in a rewarding career in INTEVEP (R&D division of PDVSA, Venezuela's main Oil Production and Exploration company). Maria became directly involved and responsible for the planning and execution of National Contingency Plans, design to manage and contain the harmful effects potential oil spill along Venezuela's coast-line.

A devoted mother, wife, daughter and sister, Maria always shined by her inexhaustible optimism and candor. No problem or challenge was big enough, for her. As an altruist, Guri always reached out for those in need, usually setting aside her own. As an avid photographer and videographer, Maria loved traveling around the world with her husband. Along the way, Guri lived her life with bursting passion and intensity, which she always shared with those around her.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Ferenc Harmat; her sons, Ferenc Sebastian Harmat and Sebastian Franz Harmat; and her mother, Cecilia de la Cruz Viale-Rigo. Also left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Cecilia Yuray Viale-Rigo, Sebastian Rafael Viale-Rigo, Juan Carlos Viale-Rigo, and Alicia Elena Viale-Rigo.

Friends may call from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Monday, April 13, 2015 at Coral Springs Funeral Home, 1420 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Maria will be laid to rest at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.