Lifelong Throggs Neck resident Maria Salaman dedicated her life to teaching. She taught for more than 25 years but sadly passed away at the age of 81 from COVID-19 on April 1.
Her daughter, Community Board 10 member and fellow Throggs Neck resident Angela Torres, spoke about her mom and the impact she had on her family, community and students.
“She was an amazing woman,” Torres said. “Her death has been an incredible loss for our family.”
Salaman was a bilingual teacher at P.S. 196 at 1250 Ward Ave., where she taught newly-arrived children from Spanish-speaking countries, along with students who had already acquired some English skills.
Later in her career, she worked at the Monolingual Talented and Gifted Program at Archer Elementary School at 1827 Archer St.. Upon her retirement in 2004, Salaman became a consultant for the Bronx Si Beagle Learning Center of the United Federation of Teachers, focusing on teaching Spanish to retired teachers who were eager to learn a second language.
She received the Edith Potter-Anne Reel Award in 2018 for her distinguished career of excellence and continued to teach retirees until the age of 80.
“She was warm, always smiling, engaging, intelligent and able to capture the attention, hearts and minds of all who came into contact with her,” Torres said. “She was an extremely hard working person, an avid reader, and always had a wise and inspirational word to share with others.”
Religion and family meant everything to her, Torres explained. Along with Torres, Salaman had two other kids, Ricardo and Maria-Elena and eight grandkids.
Christmas was her favorite holiday and everyone always got together.
“She always taught me with God, everything is possible,” Torres remarked. “She loved her family so very much, always encouraged them to accomplish all of their dreams, and served an important role as the matriarch and we hope to carry on her traditions for generations to come.”
She was married to Angel Salaman for 60 years and the two of them instilled values in their children including a solid work ethic and how to be kind and compassionate toward people.
Her mom was the rock and the glue of the family. She loved to teach, knit, go on mission trips to Puerto Rico and was a frequent preacher on the radio.
“Her impact and footprint in the Bronx and the greater world will continue for generations to come,” Torres commented. “She will always live in our hearts and minds forevermore.”
Torres, who only lives a block from her parents, feels like a part of her life is missing. She feels grateful to have been raised by such a woman.
“She embodied what it is to be a strong person,” Torres said. “She always saw the good in everyone and never really said a bad word about anyone.”
