Maria Mercedes Peña

Maria Mercedes Peña, 81 years of age, of Delaware Township, NJ passed away Thursday, May 2, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, May 18, 1942, daughter of the late Manuel N. Rodriguez and Mercedes Cardona Miranda, she had formerly resided in Philadelphia, PA.

Maria came to Philadelphia in 1960 at the age of 18 to vacation, however she enjoyed it so much she found employment as a seamstress, met her husband, Aureo Peña, and they married in 1962. In 1964 they had their first child, Aureo Peña Jr, and later their daughter in 1972, Maria M. Peña.

Maria was a faithful and devoted child of God. She was a member of the Saint Bonaventure Church, where she was the secretary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Society and was involved in many church events such as the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Three Kings Day, and many fundraising activities. She also began working at the church as a cook and had other clerical responsibilities as well. Along her career at St. Bonaventure, she had the pleasure of cooking for many priests, and Bishops. She was the matriarch of the family, which she doted upon lovingly. Her hobbies included cross stitching, sewing, and gardening.

Surviving are her husband of sixty-two years, Aureo Pena; two children, Aureo Peña Jr. (Marta), and Maria M. Peña (Daniel Candelario) both of Delaware Township, NJ.; five granddaughters, Alexis Peña, Christina Pittre (Michael), Jennifer Peña, Aiyana S. Candelario, and Maya L. Candelario; two great-grandchildren, Alexander M. Pittre, and Ethan C. Pittre; and one brother, Sisinio Rodriguez Cardona.

A Memorial Service will be held in her honor at a private ceremony. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Memorial Contributions in Maria’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit her Tribute Wall at www.holcombefisher.com.