Obituary of Maria Teresa Luzarraga

Maria Teresa Forcade Luzarraga

On November 8, 2018, Maria Teresa, 76, of Summit, New Jersey, was called home to the Lord.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Alberto, her four children Alberto (Rosanne), Maria Teresa (Antonio) Albanese, Jose Ignacio (Brigid) and Javier (Joann); fourteen grandchildren; and her sister, Lourdes Farinas.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Elena Maria Gomez de Molina. 

            Maritere, as she was known to family and friends, was born in 1941 in Cuba, and in 1960 came to the United States, living most of her adult life in Summit.  She was an accomplished woman, graduating Valedictorian of her high school class, commencing studies at the University of Havana and then graduating from the University of Miami at age 20 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.   She worked as a teacher of math and accounting in her early married life, and later established a successful antiques business.  She also used her talents in many volunteer activities:  supporting her children’s schools; teaching religious education in English and Spanish to those newly arrived to this country in New Jersey and to the children of migrant workers in South Florida; as a member of the St. Teresa Parish Faith and Life committee; as a friend and patroness of the Dominic Nuns in Summit and the Philippines and as a member of the Friends of the Newark Monastery, which was instrumental in establishing the Most Blessed Sacrament Friary, a novitiate of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Newark.

            Maritere strived to trust God and his plan for her life, and this trust was especially evident during her years of illness.  Always aware of the many blessings she had received, Maritere gave kindness, love, attention and gratitude to family and friends who called and visited her, and to the medical professionals who treated and helped care for her.  Maritere was a woman of grace who lived, with joy, the Lord’s command to “love one another.”  (Jn 15:13).        

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Teresa’s Church, 306 Morris Ave., Summit on Monday, November 12th at 9:30 AM.  Entombment at St. Teresa's Cemetery, Summit.  Visitation will be held at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave, Maplewood on Sunday, November 11th from 2-6 PM.  In lieu of flowers donations to Our Lady of the Monastery Rosary Shrine, 543 Springfield Ave., Summit, NJ 07901 would be appreciated. For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com.