Maria Elena Giblin

Maria Elena Theresa Giblin, born Maria Elena Celente on November 19, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, devotion, and outspoken honesty.

Maria was born in Brooklyn and moved to Orangeburg, New York, where she grew into the strong, resilient woman her family would come to know and love. She carried that spitfire New York spirit throughout her life direct, fearless, and full of heart. True to her favorite saying, “What’s on my lung, is on my tongue,” Maria never hesitated to speak her mind. She was strong-willed, protective to a fault, and proud of it. As she often joked, she was the “honey badger” of the family unwavering and fiercely loyal when it came to the people she loved.

She built a successful career as a paralegal and later started a successful business with her husband, demonstrating her intelligence, determination, and remarkable work ethic. No task was too big, and no detail was too small, especially in a home that was kept spotless under her careful eye. Being a “clean freak” wasn’t just a habit; it was her standard.

Maria found joy in gardening, traveling, cooking for those she loved, playing bridge, and playing golf, which she learned later in life. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and sometimes “the third degree,” which she gave not out of criticism, but out of deep love and concern.

Raised Catholic and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, her faith guided her through life’s joys and challenges. Even when reminding others to “let it go,” Maria herself never let go of her deep devotion to her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Alvera Celente.

She is survived by her beloved spouse, James A. Giblin; her daughter Donna Marie Freshment,  son-in-law Bryan Roy Freshment, and grandchildren Christian James Chaves, Dominic Anthony Chaves, and Isabella Maria Freshment; her daughter Christa Giblin Niven, son-in-law James William Niven, grandchildren James Grayson Niven (Angelica Renee Nivens), Talen Graham Niven, Eden Ellis Scout Niven, Ezekiel Jude Niven, Gabriel Tobias Niven, and great-grandson Zion James Niven; her daughter Jennifer Douskey, son-in-law Robin Douskey, grandson Jayce Douskey (Jessica Douskey), and great-granddaughter Oakley Douskey; her brother Albert Vincent Celente (and family); and her sister Alvera Elizabeth Pedone (and family).

Maria’s love was fierce, her standards were high, her words were honest, and her loyalty was unmatched. Her presence filled every room, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on in the strength, humor, resilience, and enduring spirit of her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Davidson’s Funeral Home in Winston Salem on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The time will be announced once all the arrangements are finalized.