Maria M. Schewtschenko, 68, a resident of Hopewell Junction for 27 years and formerly of Ellenville, died on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at her home.

Born in Medellin, Columbia on November 11, 1941, she was the daughter of Carmen Rojas Sanchez of Hopewell Junction and the late Pablo Sanchez .  For the past twenty years, she owned and operated a local cleaning business. Maria was a member of the Fishkill Baptist Church.  She enjoyed gardening and making dried flower arrangements.  She was loved by all and enjoyed taking care of others.

On May 18, 1974 in Queens, Maria married Daniel Schewtschenko who died on February 19, 2008.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sons, Alex Schewtschenko of Hopewell Junction and Jesse Schewtschenko and his girlfriend, Lindsay Acrish of Hopewell Junction; and her brother, Danillo Sanchez of Wappingers Falls.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  The Funeral Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Howard Lawler officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065.