Maria I. Sorinolu Famuyiwa

Obituary for Royal Princess Maria Iyabo Sorinolu Famuyiwa

With deep sorrow and gratitude for a life of service, we announce the passing of Princess Maria Iyabo Sorinolu, who departed this life last week. A devoted mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister, mentor, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and generosity.

Born into royalty to Late Oba Adebowale Oyegbade Sorinolu and Olori Elizabeth Ayinke Sorinolu, Maria lived a life defined by education, faith, service, and love for others. She began her education at St. Bernadine's Girls Grammar School in Oyo State, Nigeria, trained in General Nursing at the University of Ibadan, and completed Midwifery at Sacred Heart College of Nursing Sciences, Abeokuta. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee State University and a Master of Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, becoming one of the few Nigerian female CRNAs of her time who broke barriers for future generations.

Princess Maria dedicated decades to caring for patients in Nigeria and the United States, serving in numerous hospitals and anesthesia practices throughout her distinguished career. She was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse, and held BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. In 2023, she received the NANAA Legend Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her extraordinary impact and leadership in nurse anesthesiology.

She was a proud member of the Nigerian American Nurse Anesthetist Association and was deeply passionate about mentorship, education, and helping others. She supported Calvary Children's Home, assisted many through medical procedures, encouraged higher education, welcomed families transitioning to the United States, and generously supported loved ones both in Nigeria and abroad.

Maria loved reading, traveling, fashion, cooking, and celebrating life. Known for her wisdom, impeccable style, and kind spirit, she lived by the motto: "Never put all your eggs in one basket." She was always giving and truly the life of the party.

She is survived by her beloved mother, Olori Elizabeth Ayinke Sorinolu; her siblings, Princess Aduke Ogunkoya, Prince Bolaji Sorinolu, Prince Adewale Sorinolu, and Princess Adewunmi Ezekiel; her three cherished sons, Prince Deji, Prince Tunde, and Prince Yomi, their wives Princess Brittney and Princess Kellisha; and her adored grandchildren, Prince Noah and Princess Alivia.

Princess Maria's legacy of love, service, and generosity will live on in the countless lives she touched.

May her soul rest in perfect peace.