Maria Emerita Resto

Maria Emerita Resto, born on June 15, 1943, in Ciales, Puerto Rico, to Florentino Resto and Lucrecia Resto (Rodriguez), passed away unexpectedly on February 20, 2025. "Nery", as she was lovingly known, was the fifth of seven children.
In 1956, at the age of 13, Maria's family moved to Garnerville, NY, in search of better work opportunities and education. Maria was proud of her Puerto Rican heritage. In 1958, she had the honor of participating as a queen on a float in the first Puerto Rican Day Parade, a moment that reflected her pride and love for her culture. She attended Haverstraw High School. Afterwards, she began her career as a machine operator at Mandee Sports Factory. In the early 1970's she started working at Letchworth Village Developmental Center, where she dedicated herself to caring for others. After Letchworth Village closed in the late 1990's, she continued her service at Helen Hayes Hospital until her retirement.
Upon retiring, Maria fulfilled her dream of returning to her homeland of Puerto Rico. She lived in Puerto Rico almost 15 years until the passing of her second husband. At that time, wanting to be closer to her children and grandchildren, she decided to move back to Garnerville, NY.
Maria is lovingly remembered by her children, Maria Nieves Morales, Miguel Nieves, and Jesus Nieves. She is survived by her grandchildren, Louis Morales, Anthony Nieves, Adam Nieves, and Nicholas Nieves. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren; Joshua and Juliette Faria, and Nicholas and Callie Nieves. She is also survived by her sisters, Lucy Resto of Haverstraw and Edith Aponte of Florida. She is lovingly survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, Florentino and Lucrecia Resto, her granddaughter, Crystal Ambrose; her siblings, Adelina Resto, Flormaria de Jesus and, Juan Resto.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the George M. Holt Funeral Home,50 New Main Street, Haverstraw, NY 10927.
Funeral Services will be held during the Visitation from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM on Monday evening.
Funeral Prayer Services will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 AM at the George M. Holt Funeral Home, 50 New Main Street, Haverstraw, NY 10927. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, Haverstraw, NY.