Ernestina Cruz died on Saturday, June 27, at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, according to her obituary on the Chubenko Funeral Home website.
Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Cruz moved to Carteret in 1987 and spent years working as a teacher's aide for Carteret Public Schools.
She was known for her generous spirit, strength and lively personality. She loved making people laugh, cooking Puerto Rican meals for family and friends, hosting gatherings, dancing and listening to music, but nothing meant more to her than spending time with her children and grandchildren, her obituary says.
In the days before her death, Cruz's family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover hospice care, medical expenses and funeral costs. As of Wednesday, July 1, the fundraiser had raised more than $19,000.
"Anyone who knows Nesti knows the love, kindness, and strength she has shared throughout her life," organizer Juliana Hoyos wrote on the fundraiser. "During this incredibly difficult time, we want to give her the comfort, dignity, and peace she deserves while supporting our family through what is to come."
Cruz is survived by her husband, Pedro Luque; her children, Gustavo Rivera Jr., Emmanuel Rivera, Liliana Rivera, Angel Luis Ortiz Jr. and Tatiana Ortiz; seven grandchildren; and numerous brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Click here for Ernestina's full obituary and here to donate to the GoFundMe for her family.
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