Maria Kushnir

Maria Kushnir, passed away on January 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, in Aberdeen, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication. Born on January 1, 1941, in the quaint village of Szczepiatyn, Ukraine, Maria's journey led her to touch many lives with her warmth and kindness.
Maria was the loving daughter of the late John and Tekla (Raczynsky) Ulhursky, and she grew up surrounded by the nurturing love of family. She carried this sense of familial devotion throughout her life, a trait that became the cornerstone of her own family. Maria was predeceased by her devoted husband, John Kushnir, her caring brother, Michael Ulhursky, and her respected brother-in-law, Adam Kazio.
Her spirit is carried on by her adoring children, Irene Pender and her husband Jimmy, Peter Kushnir and Alexandra DeSena and her husband Billy. Maria was a beacon of guidance and affection for her grandchildren, John Pender and his husband Brandon, Andrew Pender and his wife MaryKate, Marie Pender, and Brandon DeSena. The light of her life shone brightest with the arrival of her great-grandchild, Rory Pender. Maria also leaves behind her two sisters, Ann Kazio and Irene Kozak and her husband John, her sister-in-law Krystyna Ulhursky, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends, all of whom were blessed to have been a part of her life. Above all else, Maria's life was defined by her unwavering devotion to her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest pride and purpose, and she met each role she held-with love, sacrifice, and quiet strength-with her family always at the center of her heart.
In 1971, Maria embarked on a courageous new chapter of her life, immigrating to the United States in pursuit of a better life for her children, and the promise of new opportunities. This Journey also reunited her with her father, mother and sister's. Maria moved to Carteret, New Jersey, where she raised her family. She later settled in Aberdeen in 2015, where she continued to cultivate a home filled with love and open doors. Maria's professional life was marked by her role as a dedicated Maintenance Engineer at Merk Industries in Rahway, New Jersey, from which she retired after years of committed service.
Maria's interests were a reflection of her nurturing soul. She found joy in sewing, creating beautiful pieces for her loved ones, and in gardening, where she nurtured plants with the same tenderness she showed her family. Her gardens were a testament to her patience and care, blossoming under her attentive eye. Above all, Maria loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the recipients of her boundless love and cherished stories of her life's adventures.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 3269 State Highway/ Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey, 07730. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM on Wednesday , January 28, 2026 at Saint Mary's Ukrainian Church, 719 Roosevelt Avenue Carteret, New Jersey 07008. Maria's interment will follow at Saint Gertrude Cemetery, 53 Inman Avenue Colonia, New Jersey 07001. For more information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.shorepointfh.com.