Maria Elizabeth (Martinez) Hayes, 54 of Waldorf, Maryland.

Maria was born to Carlos and Catalina Martinez on February 3, 1964 in Bronx, NY. Maria was the second oldest of four daughters and had a happy childhood along with her sisters: Angie, Millie and Anette. She enjoyed school, friends, attended religious classes following the Catholic religion and in 1982, graduated from Normal Thomas High School.

In April of 1983, Maria enlisted in the United States Air Force. During her service she was assigned to several installations both state side and overseas. While stationed at RAF Lakenheath, UK, Maria gave birth to her daughter Maria Lynette. As a single mother and working full time Maria rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and also completed her Master's Degree in Procurement and Acquisition Management.

Upon retirement after her 20 years of service in the Air Force, she continued her career in the D.C./VA area as a Contract Specialist, living with her daughter in Waldorf, Maryland. Maria's most joyous achievements in life, besides her military career and being a mom, was becoming Mema, grandmother to Elizabeth and Zoey. While Zoey is still young, Elizabeth shares one of her Memas' favorite hobbies which was reading, making sure to always ask Mema for a book as a present on birthdays and Christmas.

A proud Dominican - she wanted to make sure you remembered that - Maria was a woman who knew her value and knew who she was. She worked diligently for her accomplishments but at the same time motivated others making sure they knew their value as well. She inspired others to achieve their full potential and supported her family and friends whenever they needed her.

Maria leaves to cherish and honor her memory; a daughter, two granddaughters, three sisters, five nephews, niece, and many close friends.

Maria always had a sweet smile and we know she is smiling at us now.

Services will be held on Friday evening, January 4, 2019 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland.

Visitation, 7:00 p.m. until Prayer Service, 8:00 p.m.