Maria Veronica Castro was born in the Bronx on February 18, 1963 to Mickie and Paul Del Conte. She was an inquisitive child who adored her baby brother. Her best friend was her Aunt Cookie.

Maria excelled in school and graduated from St. Catherine's Academy. She attended Monroe Business School and later found a passion for cosmetology and fashion. Maria was very artistic and loved music. From a very young age, Maria was a kind and sensitive person who always showed compassion for animals and people.

Maria had two beautiful children, Krystin Marie and Joseph Jake. When they were young, she enjoyed enriching their lives through play with her creativity and good spirit. The most important lesson Maria taught her children was to love God and others.

The cherished memories of Maria will live through her parents Mickie and Paul, her children Krystin Marie and Joseph Jake, her sister Terese, her brothers Paul and Brian, her Aunt Cookie, her nephews Sean, Colin and Dylan, as well as her loving cousins, family and friends.