Maria (Peschel) Rimkunas was born on July 28, 1941 in Bresowitz, Yugoslavia.  She immigrated to the United Stateswhen she was 10 years old with her parents (Johann and Maria Peschel) and sisters (Irene Dorr and Erika Alcock).  She graduated from Bishop McDonnell High School, attended St. Catherine’s Nursing School in Brooklyn, and married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Rimkunas, Sr.  They lived in Massapequa and were parishioners of Maria Regina RC Church in Seaford.  Maria worked at Massapequa General Hospital and, later, at Brunswick Medical Center in Amityville.  She will be remembered for her caring nature, creativity, and love of animals.  Maria is survived by her children, Mary Ann Gundel, Joseph Jr. (Karen), and Steven (Laureen), and her grandchildren Annemarie Gundel (Jared), Katelyn (James), Joseph III (Hallie), Theresa Gundel, Tyler, Aine, and Darcy, and her great-grandchildren Madelyn, James McMillan, and Joseph IV.

Donations can be made to Catholic Relief Services (www.crs.org).