Mauricio Bengochea-Maldonado's Obituary
Mauricio Bengochea Maldonado peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 18th, 1961, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to Frederico Maldonado Puertas and Maria Luz Bengochea.
During his youth, Mauricio served as a dedicated missionary in the Porto Alegre Mission, where he touched the lives of many with his compassion and faith. In March of 1984, he exchanged vows with Sylvia Ligia Rebecca Ortega Lockling in the Santiago, Chile Temple, marking the beginning of a beautiful and enduring marriage.
In 1995, Mauricio and Sylvia embarked on a journey to Chile, where they nurtured their family for six years. Mauricio's unwavering commitment to service and his exemplary life became a guiding light for his loved ones.
In pursuit of a lifelong dream, Mauricio and Sylvia relocated to Utah in August 2000, providing their children and descendants with the opportunity to thrive in the land of the church pioneers. Here, Mauricio led by example, emphasizing the importance of embracing their new home by learning English, pursuing further education, and actively engaging with the community. He instilled in his children the value of hard work, teaching them the importance of diligence and unity, which brought strength to their family bond.
In addition to his missionary service, Mauricio achieved academic excellence, earning master’s degrees in education and public administration from BYU, a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and growth. His pursuit of higher education not only enriched his own life but also served as an inspiration to his family and community, demonstrating the importance of continuous self-improvement and academic achievement.
Mauricio is preceded in death by his beloved father, Frederico, his mother, Mariazinha, and his brother Marcelo. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sylvia, their five children and spouses—Frederico and Leilani, Rafael and Juliana, Ruth and Isaias, David, and Karina and Jacob—along with his sisters Marcia, Myrian, Myrtes, his brother Milton, and numerous nephews and nieces. He took immense pride in being Vovo to his eleven cherished grandchildren: Josiah, Aaron, Analeah, Emma, Josue, Leif, Maya, Aileen, Elias, Thiago and Lilly.
Mauricio will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith. His legacy of love, service, and the value of hard work will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
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