Maria Amelia Walwork

Maria Amelia Walwork, nee Canderan, age 77, died on February 25, 2023 at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ. Maria leaves behind her loving husband of 52 years, Edward Walwork. She also leaves behind her daughter Haley Hill, her son Gavin Walwork, grandchildren Carson Hill, Macy Hill and Ryland Walwork, and her brother John Canderan and brother in law Tim Van Hoecke. Maria was born on September 15, 1945 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania to Libero and Josephine Canderan. Her early life was full of music as she learned to play many instruments. She played accordion in a church band called the Polka Dots. Maria was part of a large Italian family and spent Sundays making her favorite dish, spaghetti and meat sauce, with her Mom, Aunt and cousins. Maria received a Bachelors of Arts in music at Duquesne University and then went on to earn a Masters in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Maria married Edward Walwork on August 29, 1971 at Saint Procopius church in New Salem, PA. Soon after Ed whisked her away to Milwaukee, WI to begin her career in education and start a family. Maria was very proud of her career and made a difference in the lives of many children. Alth...[more]

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h she enjoyed working directly with children she had her sights set on a position in administration. She went on to pursue a post graduate degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee that allowed her to take the role of Assistant Principal at Manitoba Elementary school and then go on to become Principal of Grantosa Drive Elementary School. Maria had a life long love of cooking, so in addition to her career in education, she ran a catering business with her dear friend Sharon called the Everyday Gourmet. Maria retired in 2001 and moved with Ed to Scottsdale, AZ. She met many friends as part of the Scottsdale Newcomers Club, of which she was President from 2007-2008. During her time with the Newcomers Club she helped with the creation of 2 fundraising cookbooks. She also spent her time volunteering for the Foothills Food Bank by coordinating drop offs of food. In her retirement she enjoyed time with her friends playing Maj Jong, playing blackjack at the casino, traveling, making wine and limoncello, cooking elaborate meals and card making. Maria chose not to have a funeral service or visitation. If you would like to pay tribute to her memory please make a donation to the Foothills Food Bank 6038 E Hidden Valley Dr., Cave Creek, AZ (www.foothillsfoodbank.com).