Maria Velez

Maria Antonia Velez born Maria Antonia De La Cruz passed away Monday, May 11,

2020, at the age of 74. She is survived by her sons Rolando (wife Anita), Juan

Carlos (partner Delilah), and Richard (wife Dina) ; grandchildren Jessica, Rolando

Jr., Amanda (12/26/89-9/21/13), Juan Carlos Junior, Jonathan, Hannah, and

Sarah; great-grandchildren Angel, Aaron, Caleb, Jaslynn Lee, Jonathan Jr., Jaxson,

& Amanda’s daughter, her living sisters, and brother Patria, Emma, and Israel and

many nieces and nephews.

Maria is remembered by her husband, Arcadio of 58 years married.

She was born in Isabela, Puerto Rico, to Nicandro De La Cruz and Clotilde Gonzalez.

She and her siblings were raised in Puerto Rico where she met the love of her life,

Arcadio. She moved to Brooklyn, New York where she married Arcadio on July 14,

1962. A little while later she moved to New Jersey and worked for a short time

and later became a full-time homemaker.

Her house of worship and praise, where she shared her gift of voice was Ebenezer

Pentecostal Temple. During her time in Ebenezer she served as a leader of the

women's ministry, she worked tirelessly to raise funds for multiple church events,

and never shied away from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to others. She spoke

boldly of her devotion and commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She

was an amazing cook and loved to share her favorite dish at any event.

Maria is remembered by her intimate family members by loving her horror movies,

riding the largest, scariest roller coasters, enjoying her garlic shrimp anytime and

Ion TV crime shows.

Her warm loving laugh and smile will never be forgotten. She was loved by many and

will be missed by many. “And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me

in paradise.’” Luke 23:43 (NLT) On, Monday, May 11, at 11:22 am Maria Antonia

Velez was picked up by God’s angels to be at peace in his heavenly paradise.