Maria Santos

Maria was born on April 8, 1930 in Covao do Lobo, Portugal. She came to the United States in 1962, settling in the Ironbound section of Newark, later moving to Elizabeth and then to Union. Maria was a seamstress for many years, working for Kanner Dress Co. in Elizabeth, NJ and later for Holiday Inn in Newark. She enjoyed gardening, baking bread (with no real recipe but only the feel of the dough in her hands) and most of all, being around her family.

Maria was loving, giving, hard working, loyal and had a strong faith in God and the Blessed Mother. She was happiest giving to others. She was so loved by her family and always said that her family meant everything to her.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Natalina Dos Santos, her granddaughter, Stefanie Rua, and her brother, Manuel Antonio.

She is survived by her children, Manuel Santos and his wife Elizabeth, Palmira Rua and her husband Manuel, Ben Dos Santos and his wife Mary, and Arcenio Santos.

She was the adored grandmother of Christina Rua-Pozo and her husband Carlos, Paul Rua and his wife, Gia, Gregory Santos and his wife, Natalie, Stuart Santos, Marc Dos Santos and his wife, Dara, Alicia Madsen and her husband, Paul and Danielle Dos Santos.

Maia took great pride and joy in her nine great grandchildren, Izzy, Maggie, Luke, Emelyn, Eisley, Teddy, Remy, Samson and Miles.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

May she Rest in Eternal Peace with the Lord. She so deserves it.

Her family will always honor and cherish her memory and remember her with love.

A visitation for Maria will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083.

A funeral service will occur Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 10:30 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 971 Suburban Rd., Union, NJ 07083.

A graveside service will occur Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Fairview Cemetery Westfield, 1100 E. Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria’s honor to Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 or any charity of your choice would be graciously appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the Santos family.