Obituary of Maria Elena Berrios Hector

Maria Elena Berrios Hector entered into eternal rest peacefully on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at her home in Lawrenceville, NJ, surrounded by her loving husband, children, grandson, familia and friends. Maria was born on October 19,1960 in Princeton, New Jersey and grew up in the Rocky Hill/Kingston area. She graduated from Franklin High School, Somerset, NJ in 1978. She was a stellar athlete and received many athletic awards as a standout track runner, most notably, statewide conference awards as a 1500 meter runner. After high school graduation, Maria continued her studies and became a licensed State of New Jersey Professional Insurance Underwriter. Her professional career spanned over 45 years with Alderman and Click, Princeton Insurance Company, and Philadelphia Insurance Company. Maria is predeceased by her parents Severiano and Elena Berrios, and best friend and sister Heidi Berrios. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Chuck, who selflessly journeyed step by step, holding her hand and guiding her this past year, taking her to countless doctors appointments and treatments, all the while nurturing her with an abundance of love. She also leaves behind her beloved children Jazmin, Brad (Holly), Katie, and grandson Christopher, family mascots Rex and Cooper. Siblings: Emma (Ramon), Ana (Manuel), Severiano Jr. (Jennifer), Ray (Kamille), Edwin (Antonietta). Patti (Peter), Chip (Sally), Colleen, Kelly, Gladys, and lovingly many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Maria was committed to giving back to the community. She volunteered as a CCD teacher at the Church of Saint Ann for many years and served as a volunteer at TASK (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen) in addition to various community organizations. She was also a philanthropist and supported many causes such as the Wegman’s NYPD Bike Ride fundraiser, the Foster 100 Mile Bike Ride for Miltary Men and Women suffering from PTSD, Hershey Park Fifty Miles Chocolate Tour for cancer research, participated in the Regina Foye Foundation Run, was a part of the the Tower Climb NYC for the FDNY, a 5K Alzheimer’s Awareness run in honor of her beloved father-in-law, Gordon Hector, in addition to participation in other causes. She was passionate about fundraising for the Anchor House,Trenton, NJ, an organization that supports at-risk youth. In 2023 Maria was the recipient of an award in recognition of her five year rides (2018-2023). This yearly bike ride included cycling 500 miles. She always surpassed the fundraising goals because of her ardent drive. Her love of travel took her to the Vatican in Rome, Italy, Mexico, and China among other places. She organized many vacations with her family and friends. Maria’s favorite vacation spots included Stokes State Forest, Long Beach Island (LBI) in NJ, and Disney World in Florida. Her last two vacations she enjoyed were at LBI in July 2023 and Stokes State Forest in August 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Always the thrill seeking adventurer, Maria went hot air ballooning, rode in a glider plane, did a skydive, bungee jumping at Sea Side Heights, NJ, drove a Daytona race car in Florida, went ziplining in Puerto Rico, and many more adventures and stories to tell. She was always the family member behind the camera and we are comforted by all of the beautiful photos and memories she left to count. As part of a big family, Maria was a mentor to many of the young adults. She gave her time and love towards guiding and supporting them. One of her most treasured bonds was with her grandson Christopher who affectionately called her “Mima.” Although Maria is gone her unrelenting zeal for life and compassion for others will remain in all the hearts she’s touched throughout her lifetime. The visitation will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 5-8pm, and again on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10-11am at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 12:00PM at The Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Interment will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Anchor House. https://anchorhousenj.org/get-involved/donate/