Maria Elia Merino Cruz

Maria Elia Merino Cruz, 85, of Clarksburg, MD passed away at her home on Friday, January 9, 2026. Born in San Salvador, El Salvador on February 2, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Benito Cruz and Natalia Merino.

Elia will be remembered for her incredible strength, kindness, and delicious food and love for her family. She was a chef in the hotel restaurant industry during her younger years and later became a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother, Her strong maternal figure added many of her nieces and nephews as her own. She was an active catholic, always encouraging her childrens and grandchildrens to follow Jesus Christ's teachings; loved cooking and baking, willing to please and host friends and family; she enjoyed flowers of many colors, gardening and listening to music.

Elia is survived by her children Mauricio Merino Mendoza and Karla Merino White, six grandchildren, Karla Marianela, Fatima Yvania, Elia Melissa, Maria Jose, Kristella Eliana and Leilani Dahlya, one great grandchild Oscar Francisco, her sister Leonor, her brother Ruben and countless nieces, nephews, and extended family that loved her so dearly.

Elia was preceded in death by her daughter Ana Miriam Merino Mendoza de Ramos, her parents and her siblings Alonzo, Emelina y Bertha.

Despite only having 3 children, Her strong maternal figure to many of her nieces and nephews

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Mother Seton Parish, 19951 Father Hurley Blvd., Germantown, MD on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11 am. Interment will be held at Parksley Cemetery in Parksley, VA on Friday, January 16, 2026.