Maria Diaz Valera, 88, of Metuchen, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the JFK Medical Center in Edison, with the love of her family at her side.

She was born on February 2, 1936, in the Dominican Republic and was formerly of Perth Amboy and Fords before moving to Metuchen 13  years ago.

She was the former owner and chef at Cafeteria Valera on the corner of High St. and Washington St. in Perth Amboy.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ramon A. Valera, who died in 2010.

She leaves behind her beloved son, Ramon "Oscar" Valera and daughter-in-law Nicole, with whom she resided, her dear grandson, Lucas Valera, and her 8 siblings, Marina Diaz, Melida Romero, Jorge Diaz, Neri Diaz, Isidro Diaz, Taty Mendez, Maria Suero and Miledy Valera, also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Sunday, February 11, 2024, from 2-5 pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave. Fords, NJ 08863.

Funeral services will begin on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 9:15 am from the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, followed by a 10 am Funeral Liturgy at Our Lady of Fatima RC Church in Perth Amboy.

Interment will follow in Alpine Cemetery, Perth Amboy.