Maria Esther Cruz

Maria Esther Cruz, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on November 18, 1933, in Puerto Rico to Guillermo & Josephina Melendez. Maria embraced life with passion and warmth, traits that those who knew her praised.

Maria began her career as a hairdresser, later dedicating herself to her family and helping her husband run their restaurant and bar, "The Annex," in Manhattan for a decade. Throughout her life, Maria extended her compassion and generosity to all. She welcomed anyone in need with her signature open-door policy, offering love, food, and shelter without hesitation.

Beloved wife of the late Nelson Joseph Cruz. Loving mother of Patricia & her husband Alexis Cuervo, Joseph & his wife Maria Cruz, Thomas & his wife Carla Cruz, Illiana & her husband Michael Torres, Nelson & his wife Gaby Cruz, and Johnny & his wife Jen Karamitsos. Proud grandmother of Alexandra, Nicole, Giancarlo, Daniella, Joseph, Kayla, Brianna, Gabriella, Devin, Chase, David, Alexis, Cassandra, Deanna, and the late Erika. Adored great-grandmother of Liana and Jack. Maria was lovingly cared for by Rafaela Abreu.

Visitation Wednesday 4-8PM at the Hunt-Stellato Funeral Home, 1601 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee. Funeral Mass celebrating her life will take place at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church Thursday 10AM, followed by interment at Madonna Cemetery.

Maria will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her strength, compassion, and the love she spread to everyone around her. May she rest in peace.