Maria Fernandez

Maria Fernandez passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025 surrounded by her children in Huercal-Overa, Spain. She was born on March 28, 1934, in Overa, Spain, to Juan Parra and Maria Martinez. She and her twin sister, Carmen, were the youngest of six children. From a young age, Maria worked alongside her mother, learning to sew, embroider, and make clothes for her sisters, nieces, and herself. She also learned to cook over an open fire, preparing traditional Spanish meals that she continued to lovingly make for her family in the United States. Growing up in a small village, Maria's formal education ended at the age of 11, and she always wished she could have continued her studies. Determined to pass on what she could not have, she instilled in her children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for the value of education.
At around 23 years old, Maria reconnected with a former schoolmate, Gerome Fernandez, who had returned to Spain for a family visit after living in the U.S. Upon seeing Maria, Gerome declared to his friends that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and that she would be his wife. After a long-distance courtship, Gerome returned to Spain to marry Maria in their hometown. With great courage, Maria left behind her family, language, and culture to begin a new life in a country she would come to love. Bravely traveling alone by boat, she made her way to the United States to build a new life in Hazlet, New Jersey. Though the journey was long and left her feeling ill, she vividly remembered the moment she saw the Statue of Liberty. She recalled being overcome with emotion and excitement for the opportunity to live the American dream. Maria embraced her new life, getting to know her in-laws and welcoming her first child, Urbano. She began working at the Maidenform factory in Perth Amboy, where she met some of her dearest, life-long friends. In the mid-1960s, Maria and Gerome welcomed their second child, John, and started a paving company. Maria took a job at the Lily Tulip factory to be closer to home and help support the growing family and business. Maria overcame many obstacles-learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and learning how to run a business. They later moved to the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen, where they continued to grow their business and family with the births of their daughters, Maria and Nila. Maria valued family above all else. She created cherished Sunday traditions, serving homemade lasagna, ravioli, and spaghetti-recipes she learned from her beloved mother-in-law, Gaetana, whom she considered a second mother and her best friend.
She remained active throughout her life, enjoying daily walks and spending time with her grandchildren. Maria was a constant presence at school events, recitals, and games. She delighted in hosting sleepovers, preparing dinners, and spoiling her grandchildren with warm cookies and milk served in bed.
Maria and Gerome frequently traveled back to Spain to visit her cherished siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. Her final trip was this past summer, where she shared precious moments with her twin sister, Carmen, reminiscing and laughing over the memories of their childhood.
Maria is predeceased by her loving husband, Gerome, and her cherished son, Urbano. She is survived by her children: John and his wife Tricia Fernandez of Venice, Florida; Maria and her husband Anthony Calcaterra of Holmdel; Nila and her husband DJ Luccarelli of Holmdel; and her daughter-in-law Joan Fernandez of Middletown. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Carla Fernandez, Daniel and Tierney Fernandez, Ava Calcaterra, Dante Calcaterra, Milena Luccarelli, Belen Luccarelli, and Alessandra Luccarelli.
Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation for Maria on Sunday September 14, 2025 from 3PM to 6PM at Day Funeral Home 361 Maple Place Keyport, New Jersey 07735 and again Monday September 15, 2025 9AM at the Funeral Home for a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Church (Our Lady of Fatima Parish) of Keyport.
Mausoleum entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery of Keyport.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to:
Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer 8 Bryce Road Holmdel, NJ 07733 francesfoundation.net To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria, please visit our floral store.