Obituary of Maritza A. Villalba

Maritza A. Villalba, age 57, of Cookstown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Camden. She was born in New York, NY to the late Juan and Marina (Bella) Cruz. Maritza went to High School in Mayaguez, Pueto Rico and later continued her education at City College of New York. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. Maritza was a teacher at North Hanover School District for over 25 years focusing on Special Ed and World Language. Maritza loved cooking, music, and most importantly her family. She loved to laugh and put a smile on everyone's face with her charm. Maritza (Mara if she knew you) knew how to light up a room with her jokes and a smile. Maritza really knew how to live in the moment and loved generously. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend who will be deeply missed.

Maritza is predeceased by her parents. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 34 years Diego Villalba of Cookstown; her son Ruben Villalba of Cookstown; two daughters, Victoria Villalba of Cookstown and Jessica Villalba of Hamilton; her four siblings, Susanna Cruz, John Cruz, Maria Salazar and Francisco Cruz; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Monday, July 10, 2017 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at the Tilghman Funeral Home, located at 52 Main Street, New Egypt NJ 08533 followed by a funeral service begining at 8:00PM. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 11:30AM at the Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. For those attending the graveside service, we ask that you please meet at the funeral home on Tuesday, no later than 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maritza’s memory to The Transplant Foundation's Gift of Life Donor Programat https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=3dcd43