Maria Elizabeth Harroo

MARIA ELIZABETH HARROO, passed away peacefully at her home in Leesburg, Virginia on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Born in Guayquil, Ecuador on Friday, March 6, 1970, Maria was the daughter of Marlene Chica-Montano and the late Dionisio Montano. At this tender age of 52, Maria is survived by her husband, Haytum Harroo and three sons, Hadrien, Hasaye, and Heith Harroo. She was also a bonus mom to son, Haylon Harroo. Throughout her life, Maria devoted significantly to the rearing of her boys, from elementary into adulthood. Over the course of her journey Maria has experienced many accomplishments, including: “Greatest Mom Ever” award, every year since ‘94 (undisputed champion)! Her taste for music was wide ranging, but she had a special love for music from the 80’s (mostly classic rock), classic cumbia, and salsa music. She also loved watching Shrek movies, Law and Order SVU, CSI Miami and Las Vegas, and her favorite daily variety shows on Univision (El Gordo Y La Flaka) and Telemundo. Holidays were especially wonderful around the house as she made special preparations to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Days (her husband’s birthday). She relished wearing her cozy socks and colorful Pajamas and Nightgowns around the house, spending time with her boys simply doing nothing, shopping, planting, and decorating her property. Maria was notorious for her unusual sense of humor. At movies she would not hold back on punch lines who appealed to her only and laugh out loud to the disdain of Haytum. She could be the corniest, dorkiest, nerdy, and sweetest person you’ll ever meet. She loved making fun of you then laughing with you in a way that reminded you either to not to take yourself too seriously or to consider taking yourself more seriously - no in between. Maria was a connoisseur of cookery. She would spend many many many hours in her sacred ground (the kitchen) preparing a variety of dishes including those she was familiar with along with those she wanted to learn or experiment on. After each meal she would ask the boys and Haytum what they thought and would embrace the ensuing critique. Some of her favorite dishes includes: - Chuleta Frita (Fried Pork Chops) and Puerco Frito (Fried Pork Cutlets) - Arroz con: Gandules (Rice/Pigeon Peas); Frijoles (Rice/Beans); Salchicha (Yellow Rice/Sausage) - Sango con Cameron (Green Plantain Puree with Cooked Shrimp) - Breaded Steak with Burnt Noodles and White Rice (Combo) - Milanesa con Arroz Y Abicuela (Pepper Steak with Rice) - Pernil (Pork Roast); Special Chicken Salad; Ecuadorian Ceviche - Tostones (Fried Plantains) con or Queso Blanco (White Cheese) - Potato Salad and Onion Salad In the fall of 1993, Maria met Haytum. This was a chance meeting of faith where Haytum provided transportation to Maria and her mother on the request of a mutual friend to pick up her dad from the airport. Haytum always relates to his sons about the difficulty in courting Maria in those first few meetings and her not showing any interest (lol) until she finally gave in to his charm, thereby beginning the romance of a lifetime. They moved in together within six months with Maria sacrificing alot to make a family of her own. In 2001, Maria and Haytum relocated to Texas on the border with Mexico when Haytum was picked up by the U.S. Customs Service. They remained there until 2009, where Heith was born. She would dedicate the rest of her life with Haytum and the boys traveling to many places including to the Caribbean and Mexico. Through the highs and lows, Maria and Haytum developed an uncanny bond, love and appreciation for each other. He frequently referred to her as his, “Honey” or “EYA”, and she to him as “Tabba” or “Pa”. They shared a mutual and unwavering love for their boys, their home, travel, dining, yardwork, and shopping. Maria was a fiercely independent and private individual. She cherished her family and made it known to all within earshot. She loved her extended family and treated each with a unique reverence. Her selflessness, generosity, and compassion for animals was unmatched, constantly demonstrating it, even in times of pain. She would entertain family and friends alike to a grand meal of meals, always wanting to ensure that everyone was pleased and had a wonderful time. For eight (8) years she was employed at the Well Fargo Bank and as a Manager with raves from her senior managers on her dedication, commitment, and uncanny ability to relate to the public. She made lasting friendships during her time with the bank. In addition to those mentioned above, Maria is survived by her Mother, sister Shirley Montano, and two brothers John and Javier Montano. She will be missed dearly by a host of family and loved ones. Funeral services are being held privately out of respect for family and at Maria’s request. The family wishes to thank everyone who cared for her during the last few weeks and days. Your continued prayers and emotional support in the coming weeks will bring the greatest joy to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org and American Cancer Society www.cancer.org Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com

Maria Elizabeth Harroo

March 6, 1970 - February 25, 2023