Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) employee Maria R. Guerrero died Wednesday night at Mount Auburn Hospital after a two-year battle with cancer. She was 38.

Guerrero, who was a general service worker in the Cabot House dining hall, is remembered for her optimism, her thoughtfulness and her smile.

“Maria touched a lot of lives simply by being who she was,” said Jessica D. Murphy ’04.

Guerrero left her job in November when the cancer—sinonasal adenocarcinoma—began to spread aggressively. But those who knew her said she never lost her upbeat spirit.

“Everyone was struck by the way she handled her disease with such grace. Even though she was in such pain, she was always smiling,” Murphy said. “She was really an inspiration to the entire house.”

Guerrero, who previously worked at the Celeris convenience store in the Quad, is survived by her two daughters, Ericka, 17, and Karen, 11.

“When her cancer had metastasized she was working two full-time jobs to support her and her daughters.” said Mary A. Quinlan, a Cabot House dining hall employee. “And she continued to work until she could work no more.”

Guerrero kept close relationships with many Cabot House residents, and she was a source of inspiration for many in the House.

Students said they visited Guerrero in the hospital almost daily in recent weeks, answering her plea not to be left alone.

“We would come and stay from 7 or 8 until 11 or midnight for the last few days,” said David V. Jenkins ’03-’05.

Murphy, who visited Guerrero Wednesday afternoon, said she will miss “her strength and her smile.”

“I’m just glad she’s not suffering anymore,” Murphy said.

Guerrero was well-known for that beaming smile, which persisted even as her illness became more severe.

“She just had a zestful life. I used to describe her as being like sunshine. Wherever she went she would light up everything,” Quinlan said.

Guerrero, who enjoyed sending and receiving cards, also wanted her good cheer to spread through Cabot House.