Maria Merenda

Maria was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who lived a full and meaningful life for 96 years. She was born in Caorle, a beautiful seaside town just outside of Venice, Italy, where her roots and cherished memories always remained close to her heart. Maria spent many years working as a schoolteacher and was well-respected by her peers and students even after her retirement.

In 1957, she married her soulmate, Carmelo, and together they built a life rooted in love and family. In 1973, they immigrated to New York, where family remained at the heart of everything they built. Maria is survived by her three children, Domenica (Domenico), Marcella (Cesar), and Angelo; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Maria loved to travel, and had a deep appreciation for the arts, regularly attending the opera, theatre, and cinema. She found joy in reading, crossword puzzles and word searches. Maria stayed closely connected to her heritage by following current affairs in Italy through news and programs and remaining in contact with those back home.

An intellectual and devoutly spiritual Catholic woman, Maria had a particular affection for the Virgin Mary. She was known for her charming, modest , and quietly reserved nature. She truly loved life and embraced it fully until the very end and passed away peacefully surrounded by family & loved ones.

A visitation will be held at Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Home, located at 824 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale, NY, 10583, on February 8, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The funeral mass will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 5 Strathmore Rd, Scarsdale, NY, 10583, on February 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.

Entombment will follow at St. Raymond's New Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Ave, Bronx, NY, 10465, on February 9, 2026, from 11:30 am to 11:45 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude's Children Hospital https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9130648&fr_id=154020&pg=personal or click on link below directly to make a donation.