Maria Perez Garcell (Marisa), aged 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida. She died at home surrounded by her loving family.

Marisa was born in Oriente, Cuba, the only daughter of the late Mario Perez Acosta and Isabel Garcell Calzadilla. In 1961, she left Cuba due to the Castro dictatorship and settled in Puerto Rico, where she raised her five children and lived for 40 years. In 1999, she moved to Gainesville to care for her first grandchild. Her guiding life principles were family, faith, and justice.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mayo Ripol. She is survived by her son Miguel Ripol (Annie Sanchez), her daughters Maria Ripol (Jim Hobert), Any Ripol and Cami Ripol (Scott Montgomery) and four grandchildren: Marisa, Diego , Wilough and Chabela. Our beloved Aba will be sorely missed.

According to her wishes, her family is donating her brain to the UF Brain Bank for Alzheimer’s research. Following cremation, a Funeral Mass will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Florida Foundation, Inc. for the benefit of McKnight Brain Bank Fund. Contributions can be mailed to: UF Health Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 100386 | Gainesville, FL 32610 or made online at this website.

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Perez Garcell family.