1123 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 349-1234
James A. Rogers - Owner Manager - NJ Lic. No. 3413
Tribute Wall
Sunday
12
July
Viewing
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Kedz Funeral Home
1123 Hooper Avenue
Toms River
Sunday
12
July
Visitation
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Kedz Funeral Home
1123 Hooper Avenue
Toms River , New Jersey, United States
(732) 349-1234
Monday
13
July
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Monday, July 13, 2026
St. Justin the Martyr Roman Catholic Church
975 Fischer Boulevard
Toms River
Monday
13
July
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Monday, July 13, 2026
St. Justin the Martyr Roman Catholic Church
975 Fischer Blvd
Toms River, New Jersey, United States
(732) 270-3980
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Barbara Trujillo posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2026
My biggest memory of Maria was the day that I, 12 or 13 year old, dropped her daughter in a restaurant. She looked at her daughter made sure everything was okay and then looked at me and said " don't worry she's as hard-headed as I am she'll be fine". From everything I have heard she has grown up to be an exceptional woman just like her mother.
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Puny Blue lit a candle
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
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Gianna DAntonio uploaded photo(s)
Monday, July 13, 2026
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“ How I never thought I’d be here so soon speaking in memory of my abuela. Nothing could have prepared me for this day and a time where I didn't have her right by my side.
My Abuela was my everything. She wasn’t just a grandmother, she was my abuela, someone I knew could make me laugh, smile , give me advice and for sure tell me anything that came to her mind. I could go on talking about all the memories together from the surprise visits after school to the little Wawa runs because my brothers and I would beg her for Wawa f’real milkshakes or our tanning and swimming days by the pool.. those days are the ones I will never forget and wish I could go back too in an instance. I loved nothing more than being with my abuela, seeing her made my day so much better.
When she got ill almost 2 years ago all I wanted to do was be with her and hold her hand. Even if I would come over after school and just sit next to her, it was those small things that I knew meant the most to her and even more to me.
Being away in college this past year was hard. I couldn't just swing by in between my day like I used too but I made sure that I called her or texted to remind her that I would never forget who loves me the most. I’m gonna miss her texts asking if I forgot about her because I didn’t see her for one day or her surprised look on her face when I showed up at her house one weekend to surprise her after she told me I should drop out of college to be with her. Abuela was my biggest supporter and I know she always will be. She would never miss a dance recital or a dance competition, always asking when the next one was. She would FaceTime me countless times showing me the Rockettes performing on tv asking when I’m gonna be up on that stage. A text I always will go back to was from only a year ago. She tapped the Rockettes on the tv and sent it to me with a text that read “GG abuela tape this for you . One day you are going to dance !!! If I’m not here you take it and you show me how beautiful you are dancing because you’re gonna make it baby. Keep doing it. You’re going to make it”. I would always respond with the same thing, “don’t worry abuela I will soon and you will have a front row ticket when I do”. And that is exactly what I will do, Abuela will have an open seat in the front row because I will never stop doing what she loved seeing me do and one day I will be on that stage dancing my heart out for her. From watching me dance on a stage to dancing with me in her living room or backyard I will dance for her in her memory forever
I am endlessly grateful to have spent Abuelas last days with her making sure she had anything she needed: a back rub, a heating pad or just someone to sit next to. I know my life and everyone who loved her won’t be the same without her because saying she will be missed is an understatement. It’s not gonna be easy but I know that every life event from now on will be for her because she will be watching over all of us for the rest of our lives. I love my abuela with all my heart and that love will never ever vanish. I miss you more than words can describe abuela. Forever and always your favorite and only granddaughter.”
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Anthony D’Antonio uploaded photo(s)
Monday, July 13, 2026
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“For as long as I can remember, I’ve hoped this day would never come. Every morning, part of me still hopes I'll open my eyes and find out it was all just a bad dream. But a few days ago, I had the opposite experience. In my dream, everything was exactly as it should have been, and my heart was full again. But then I slowly opened my eyes only to find myself wishing I could go back to that place more than anything. Yet, here I am, standing up here, saying goodbye to the woman I hold closest to my heart. Nothing could have prepared anyone in this room for today. To each of us, she was someone different, but for me, I had the privilege of knowing her by the name that meant quite literally everything to me…my Abuela. I truly don’t know a single person who met her and didn’t instantly love her. Maybe it was her unmistakable Cuban accent that could make anyone smile, or maybe it was her fiery personality that made her stand out no matter where she was. For those who knew Abuela, you know she was never afraid to say what was on her mind, and that was one thing I loved most about her. One day I’ll be getting told I am so handsome and she is so proud of me, and the next she’s telling me not to get too fat after seeing me put on some weight for football. She was completely her authentic self every single day, and there is never anyone quite like her, and there will never be. Abuela is truly one of a kind. I can proudly say she has made a huge impact on my life, and on the lives of so many others. More than anyone, she has taught me the value of life itself, and that no matter how difficult it becomes, you never stop fighting for the people you love. Even after getting told time and time again that a certain treatment wasn't working and they needed to try a new one, Abuela chose to keep going. Sometimes when I went to visit her, she would ask me if I had experienced the same symptoms during my own experience and what she could expect. The thing was, Abuela was never afraid, she just wanted to be ready for whatever was about to come her way. Abuela was a fighter, and she fought until her very last breath on Monday night. Cancer could never take away her faith, her bravery, or the love she had for everyone in this room. She showed every one of us what it truly means to fight with everything you have. None of this feels truly real yet. It just feels like a huge piece of my heart is missing and I know it's going to feel this way for a long time. But I know this isn’t truly goodbye, because you’ll never be too far away. Every time I stop at a garage sale, you’ll be right there with me looking around. Every time I visit your Wawa right around the corner, I know you’ll be along my side grabbing me a frozen milkshake to put into the f’real machine. Every time our family gathers for the holidays, I sure hope you brought your famous flan and a lot more trays of pastika than you think you need. And whenever I walk into the house on Alfred Ln, and hug Abuelo, I’ll know you’ll be there too, waiting patiently for your kiss on the cheek. There’s one thing in specific I’ll miss hearing more than anything from her voice. Every time we said, “I love you,” Abuelo and Abuela would always ask, “Mucho o Poquito.” The answer was always “Mucho.” Today, I wanted to tell you one last time in person. Te quiero mucho, Abuela y siempre te querre.“
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JO MCKEON uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 12, 2026
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Our hearts go out to the entire family! So sorry for the loss of an amazing woman! My Momma is waiting for her Best Friend. HUGS Scott n Jo and Family
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Theresa D’Antonio lit a candle
Sunday, July 12, 2026
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My deepest condolences to the entire family.
When I lived in Toms River many years ago, Maria welcomed us into her home with such warmth and kindness. I will always remember her delicious arroz con pollo and flan, along with the many homemaking tips and little pieces of wisdom she so generously shared.
I still hear her voice whenever I make those recipes, and they always bring a smile.
May she rest in peace. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Theresa
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Michael ferone posted a condolence
Thursday, July 9, 2026
We always spoke of our recipes and shared our food with one another. She was a great person full of life and smiles all the time. She was a customer at my Wawa for years and I always made her drinks special for her and she loved them! Will miss our little talks and especially her big hugs and kisses. May you rest in peace. She was a wonderful friend to me when my mom was sick and passed two years ago, she kept me positive and strong and always gave me a big warm hug love Michael FERONE
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Familia Quintero posted a condolence
Thursday, July 9, 2026
For over 20+ years, Maria has been a huge help to me and my family. Ever since i was little, she would bring me and my mom to my doctor’s appointments. She was there for when my parents got married through civil. Was there for my brother for his appointments too. My family will always be grateful for everything she has done. Our love and condolences go out to your family.
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Meg Christensen posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
What a Special Lady! My late husband Dick & I were introduced to Joe & Maria after our winter travels in 2013. We called son Christian home after Superstorm Sandy. During that time he did things with Brian’s cousin Monty. (Of course, I did not know Monty was a woman he was dating). Well that summer on 4th of July Maria & Joe invited us to their picnic. Their yard was beautiful. Maria & Dick shared gardening stories. Maria introduced us to Cuban food. Loved her Peccadillo, chicken & rice, pork, flan, pimento cheese sandwiches. I now eat white rice like a Cuban — with mayonnaise & sometimes with an egg for protein.
Our wonderful relationship continued through family dinners, holidays, birthdays, weddings and both of us being diagnosed with this humbling disease called cancer.
Over the years there has been many tears of joy shared with Maria. Now I share tears of sorrow with the Acosta family. Maria will be sorely missed. The memories made will be forever cherished. God has another angel watching over us.
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Boni Durante posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Even though i became friends with maria almost 2 years ago, we bonded, in an affectionate way. I will remember her for her strength, out going personality, the great love for her family and the Lord. Maria was a joy to be around. R.I.P. Dear Maria
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Marta Gutierrez posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
My heart aches as I reflect on the profound and enduring friendship I shared with Maria. Our initial encounter was a mere fleeting moment in 1967 when we briefly lived as neighbors. Little did we know that destiny had a remarkable plan for us, orchestrating our serendipitous reunion in 1972 during a visit to friends in Paterson. From that day forward, our bond solidified, blossoming into a friendship that spanned decades and weathered all of life's seasons.
Among Maria’s many admirable qualities, her unwavering sincerity and profound truthfulness stood out as guiding lights. She approached life and relationships with an authentic spirit that was both refreshing and deeply comforting. We shared an incredible journey together, marked by countless moments of hearty laughter that still echo in my memory, and providing solace to each other during times of tears and quiet reflection.
I will forever be grateful to Maria and Jose for the immense honor they bestowed upon me, entrusting me with the sacred role of Godmother to their beloved daughter, Matilde. This gesture of faith and love is a treasure I have always held close to my heart.
To Jose, and the entire family, please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies during this incredibly difficult time. My thoughts are with you all. Maria, my dear friend, you may have left this world, but your vibrant spirit, your kindness, and the beautiful tapestry of memories we wove together will live on in my heart, forever cherished and never forgotten.
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The family of Maria C. Acosta uploaded a photo
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
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MARILYN FAJIN posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
I met María through the Acosta Family. I live in Miami & didn’t see her often, when we did, she always welcome me with warmth, kindness & genuine love. She was a beautiful soul who embraced life & deeply loved her family. May God grant her eternal rest & bring comfort & peace to her family & all who loved her.
My deepest condolences to Jose, her children & the rest of the family.
Marilyn
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Roxanne Bono posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
I grew up around the Acosta household hanging out with Monty. Joe and Maria welcomed me in their home like their own. Maria was a wonderful woman and she will be missed.
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Dolores Gonzalez uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
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Maria and I met approx 1970 in Paterson NJ, got along right away and continued a lifetime long friendship, making tons of memories between both our families, we were always like sisters.
She was such a giving and kind soul and a fighter until the bitter end, always with a smile in her face, and is exactly how I want to remember forever my sweet friend. Always, always dedicated to her devoted husband and large family.
I will dearly miss you my friend, and will always keep you in my heart. May you rest in peace, until we meet again. I love you❤️
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Bea Cullari posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Maria was a dear friend. We worked together selling Avon. We became good friends until I moved to Florida. Lost touch but thought about her often. Such a wonderful lady. You will be missed. Love to all of the family, Your friend, Bea
About Us
Kedz Funeral Home began serving the Ocean County community in 1969, and for 32 years built it’s reputation by assisting area families with personal service and attention to detail.
Our Location
Kedz Funeral Home
1123 Hooper Ave Toms River, NJ 08753
732-349-1234Contact Us
Phone: (732) 349-1234
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