Maria Ortiz, nee Girau, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. While residing at the Green Hill Nursing Home in West Orange, Maria was lovingly cared for and admired for her feisty disposition. She left her native Puerto Rico in her twenties, coming to the United States in search of new opportunities. Brooklyn became her home, where she married and started a family.

In the sixties, she relocated to Newark with her son and daughter, then to Plainfield in 1976. She worked for twelve years at St. Peter’s Orphanage in Newark and Denville. During her tenure in Plainfield, she was employed by the Knickerbocker Toy Company in Middlesex County. Additionally, she served as a security guard while a tenant in her senior housing development.

As a devout Christian, Maria was actively involved with her church congregation, often assisting in the planning and operation of numerous women’s retreats. Her cooking skills were legendary, which she used to bring joy to family and friends alike. She spread her love unconditionally, sharing it with her extensive family, friends, and anyone who crossed her path.

Maria was a woman of character who met any challenge head-on. She was respected and looked up to as a positive role model worth emulating. She defied age, staying young in spirit and heart, never yielding to physical challenges.

Maria is predeceased by her mother, siblings, stepdaughters Rosie Rivera, Gloria Pascual, and nephew José Pérez, and countless other family members.

She leaves behind her son Israel Ortiz, daughter Maria Ortiz, nieces Rosa Fatzler (William), Gloria Pérez, Evelyn Pereira (Daniel), 11 grandchildren: David Pascual, Tawana Pascual, Darnell Connor, Jose Pérez (Tahira), José Ortiz (Maria), Tito Ortiz, Angelina Ortiz, and Evan Walden (Melanie); 24 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren; Pastor and mentor Isabel; and a host of friends. She will truly be missed by so many whose lives she touched during her short 103 years on Earth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.