Maria Kunda, born on March 4, 1945 in Newark, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19th, at home in Hawley, Pennsylvania surrounded by her loving family. Maria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose life was dedicated to nurturing, teaching, and supporting those she loved.

Maria devoted over 30 years teaching elementary school at St. Benedict's in Holmdel, NJ, where she shaped both minds and hearts with patience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in her students' potential. Her greatest life achievement, however, was the family she so lovingly built. She shared a devoted marriage with her husband, Ron, and together they built a home rooted in faith, love, and commitment, setting a powerful example for their daughters to model.

As a mother to Jen, Elise, and Amanda, Maria led by example. She taught her daughters how to love generously, chase dreams, and face life's challenges with courage and grace. Even during her 17 month battle with cancer, she remained a steady source of strength, positivity, and perserverance, reminding her family that faith is stronger than fear and that love will always pull us through.

Nothing brought Maria greater joy than the relationships she shared with her ten beloved grandchildren. As "Nana," she formed a special and unique bond with each grandchild, making certain they always felt deeply supported, believed in, and unconditionally loved.

Maria is survived by her devoted husband, Ron; her daughters, Jennifer Simpson and husband Jim; Elise Smith and husband Dave; Amanda Noto and husband Jason; her cherished grandchildren, Zach, Luke, Drew, Hannah, Ty, Jack, Ella, Chris, Brayden, Milana; her loving sister, Patricia Martucci; her brother, Joe Martucci Sr. and wife Patricia; her nephew Joseph Martucci Jr. and niece Melissa Parness and husband, Brian; and multiple cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Kathleen and Joseph Martucci.

Maria's legacy is not measured in years, but in the lives she touched , helped shape, and the love she so generously gave. She was the heart of our family, a steady presence, and the "glue that held us all together." Her strength and unconditional love formed a foundation that will continue to guide our family forward. Her memory lives on not in sorrow, but in gratitude for a life beautifully lived, a family faithfully built, and a love that will never fade.

....until we meet again.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28th at 10:00 a.m. at B.V.M Queen of Peace Church, 314 Chestnut Ave. Hawley, PA. by Reverend Richard W. Beck, Pastor. 

All those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church. 

Friends may call on Friday, February 27th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Rd. Lake Ariel. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Maria's memory may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center. Please call the donation line at 215-728-2745 or mail directly to 333 Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. 19111.