Obituary of Elia Rocha Maceren

Elia Rocha Maceren, who was 83 years old from Piscataway New Jersey, joined our heavenly father on March 3, 2017 at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center in New Brunswick New Jersey, surrounded by her beloved family. She left this world in peace on the same date she wed her late husband, Alexander Maceren Sr. on March 3, 1957. Born in the Philippines to the late Bernabe Rocha and Maria Dote, Elia spent her career as a Registered Nurse in the Philippines. Widowed in May of 1969, she gathered the strength of God and raised her seven children herself. Along with her family, she moved to Piscataway New Jersey in 1981 where she continued working and taking care of sick patients until she retired. She was a devoted, loving mother, grandmother, sister, friend, confidant and mentor to her family and friends. Elia was a 3rd order Carmelite Nun, and chose "Mary Matthew Alexander of the Holy Spirit, OCDS" as her name in the religious order. She was a member of the Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group. She was a devout Catholic and communicant of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Piscataway. Her hobbies were making beaded rosaries, scapulars, and dresses for the blessed mother's holy statue. She spent her time reading prayer books, praying, listening to music, watching TV, sewing clothes, arranging flowers, and loving dogs. She appreciated all the beauty that this world had to offer, such as nice clothes, makeup, flowers especially red roses. Elia's generosity knew no bounds; she loved giving gifts, cards, offering prayers for any cause, and surprise gifts to her grandchildren. She loved attending mass, interacting with the community and volunteering for various religious prayer groups. Most of all, Elia enjoyed the time she spent with her beloved family during gatherings and holidays. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alexander Maceren Sr. and her dear brothers: Ricardo and Ben Rocha, and her loyal companion dogs Sydney and Lucky. Surviving are her loving children: Jocelyn Locsin (Manny), Emelaine Galimba, Jude Maceren, Lambert Maceren (Annie), Alexander Maceren, Jr. (Marie Frances), Carleen Montero (Ariel), Fred Maceren (Alex), her cherished grandchildren: Brian (Danni), Chona, Lester, Leander, Christopher, Lawrence, Julian, Renee, Gabriel, and Jacob, her dear siblings: Tessie Macalalad (Bert), Antonio Rocha (Tessie), Tipin Mandoza (Max) and Manuel Rocha (Sally), and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the South Plainfield Funeral Home, 2456 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Monday, March 13, 2017 at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 501 New Market Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Entombment will follow at Resurrection Burial Park Mausoleum, Piscataway.