Maria Eugenia Cantarero
March 31, 1943 – March 12, 2026
Maria Eugenia Cantarero passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Born on March 31, 1943, in San Rafael, Costa Rica, Maria was the oldest of six children. She grew up in Alajuela, where she started picking coffee at the age of 12, and immigrated to New Jersey in 1964, where she lived in Union City and North Bergen for more than 50 years.
While raising her children, Maria worked as an in-home sewing machine operator. Later, she became a home health aide, where her caring nature and loving heart brought comfort and compassion to many elderly and ill patients.
Maria never followed recipes, yet she cooked with love, and it showed in every meal she prepared—no matter how simple. Family and friends fondly remember her arroz con pollo, fried chicken, and her unique cottage cheese lasagna.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: listening to birds sing, enjoying her “kookies” with café, listening to Julio Iglesias, and reading Selecciones, the Spanish edition of Reader’s Digest. Maria was always grateful for the opportunities life gave her and was a source of comfort and advice to many who needed a kind word. She loved sharing stories about her beloved home country and her many travel experiences. An avid reader, she often gifted meaningful books and discoveries to those she loved.
Maria was loving, caring, and generous, always opening her home to those arriving in the United States and helping them find their way.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, who were the center of her life. Whether making tamales, cooking rice and beans, or simply sitting and talking about life, she was happiest when surrounded by them.
She is survived by her son, Oscar A. Morera, and daughter-in-law Nancy; her son, Luis G. Cantarero, and daughter-in-law Maria; and her daughter, Glenda M. Dietz. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren—her “muñecos”: Devon and Lauren Morera; Emily and Andrew Cantarero; and Owen, Sean, and Sara Dietz. She is also survived by her sister, Olga Gonzalez, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A viewing and Mass were held in Costa Rica, where her ashes will remain.
The family is deeply grateful for the love and support they have received during this time.
Her legacy of love, generosity, and family devotion will live on through her children, grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched.