Maria Francesca Duntz McCabe

SALISBURY­ — Maria Francesca (Maier) Duntz McCabe, 94, of 4 Grove St. died June 18, 2024, at Sharon Hospital, just 44 days shy of her 95th birthday. She was the wife of the late Roy Duntz II and the late Lyman Spalding McCabe. Born in Northern Italy, Maria was fluent in Italian, German and English. She was the daughter of the late Maria Maier. She was predeceased by her son, Richard Duntz.

Maria was affectionately known as a “trail angel,” on the Appalachian Trail for over 30 years. She offered up her home to hikers who traveled the trail from Georgia to Maine. She thoroughly enjoyed learning about each and every person she met off the trail-learning their trail names and hearing their stories from home as well as their trips. She treated them like family and many came back to visit her year after year. She provided shelter, shared her food, and shuttled them to other locations off the trail. She kept many journals as a record of the hikers who visited with her.

Maria had many passions in life including thrift stores, her love of flowers, hummingbirds, and her family and friends. She was a fierce soul that will be greatly missed by all who crossed her path.

Maria is survived by her three sons; Roy Duntz III (Diane) of Sharon, grandchildren Edward Duntz, Jennifer Majette (Raymond) and great grandchildren Cameron and Braydon, Ronald Duntz (Sue) of Torrington, grandchildren Ronald, great granddaughter Cascidy (Nathan) great great grandson Asher, Tina Maritano (Domenic) great grandson Anthony, Samantha Nelson (Joshua) great grandchild Maura, Brandy Duntz of Minnesota, great grandchildren Yamaha, Alexis, Tabbitha, Malik and Jerald; and Roland McCabe (JoAnn) of Lakeville, grandchildren Sue McCabe (partner Jim Martin), Bethany Reichert (Michael), great grandchild Carter, and Zachary McCabe, grandchildren Richard and Sean Duntz and great granddaughter Amaya.

Maria was able to live independently at home through help of family, friends, and caregivers, and enjoyed the company of local, long-time friends, Lorraine and Mary.

“As you were you will always be, treasured forever in our memory.”

A celebration of Maria’s life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 4 at the Lakeville/Salisbury firehouse at 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be sent to Salisbury Ambulance.

Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT.