- Date Of Birth: October 1, 1919
- Date Of Death: July 11, 2007
- State: Connecticut
Maria de los Angeles Marrewa Sarkes, 87, wife of the late James (Jimmy) Marrewa Sarkes, died peacefully at her home in Middletown. Born October 1, 1919 in Benisanet, Taragona, Spain, she was the daughter of the late Juan Jose Bonfill Ripol and his wife Lucia Pellisa Lacueva. In the 1930’s she moved with her family to Santiago, Cuba, where she completed her education, earning a degree in fine arts. She was recognized in Cuban newspapers and magazines as a talented artist and sculptor. In 1947 she went to New York City where she met and married Jimmy with whom she shared a 49 year marriage. In the 1950’s she and Jimmy moved to Springfield, MA where she lived until 1997. There she continued to paint, give art lessons, create ceramic and porcelain figurines and design jewelry. Angeles (as she was called by her family) was a fabulous cook, specializing in dishes from Spain, Latin America and Lebanon. These she and Jimmy shared with family and friends from many countries. She was also an accomplished seamstress, making laces, embroidered baptismal gowns and clothing for Spanish dolls. Angeles was a beautiful person, both on the inside and the outside. Jimmy used to tell stories about their days living in New York where strangers, thinking that she was a movie star, would ask for autographs. She was kind and generous and adored her family. She was devoted to her grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments. Her family and friends will miss her terribly. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lillian (Lee) and Welles Guilmartin of Middletown, her beloved grandchildren, Ryan of Somerville, MA and Cullen of Hartford, her brother Juan Jose and his family of Miami, FL, her cousins in Spain and numerous nieces and nephews.
