Maria Oliva

Ms. Maria “Maruly” Oliva, 76, entered the arms of the Lord on Sunday, May 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

With respect to Maria’s wishes regarding her funeral services, all her family and friends are invited to the memorial visitation to be held in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Monday, May 13th. from 3:00-7:00PM.  A prayer service will be offered by Reverend Jozef Krajnak during the memorial visitation at 4:00PM.  Guided by Maria's lifelong giving spirit, we respectfully request that in lieu of flowers, donations in Maria’s memory may be made to Shriners Children’s by mail at Shriners Children’s, Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or online at http://donate.lovetotherescue.org or to the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society by mail to PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or online at http://givenow.lls.org

Maria, the daughter of the late Rafaela “Cuca” H. Sardina and the late Jose M. Oliva, Sr. was born in Oriente, Cuba.  She, along with her parents, came to the United States, via Spain, in 1967.  Maria lived in various cities in Union County, New Jersey before settling in Linden in 1995.

She enjoyed a thirty-five-year career as a chemical technician for Exxon Mobil Corporation in Linden and in 2006, Maria took her well-deserved retirement.

Her interests in history and world news kept Maria well informed and she was an avid reader of an array of newspapers, books, and periodicals.  Music was also a part of her soul and she loved to listen to all genres.  Her strong faith was her guiding force.  Maria lived her life to help others.  Even when she was not feeling well, Maria still donated to different charities because she felt that a person should always try to give and make something better than you found it, no matter what.  Above all however was Maria’s love and devotion to her family.  They were her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them making great memories to last a lifetime.  Nothing was more important to Maria than “Family”!

Maria is survived by her son, Ruben J. Rodriguez; her daughter, Maritza R. Sokolosky and her husband, Billy Sokolosky, Jr.; her brother, Jose M. Oliva, Jr. and his wife, Lillian; her grandchildren, David Sokolosky and Olivia Sokolosky; her great aunt, Lerida “Lela” Cruz and Maria’s many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

Maria was the shining star of her family that illuminated the way for everyone.  The family’s hearts are broken, as tears fill their eyes mourning the loss of Maria.  Please offer them your love and support as they try to navigate life without their beloved “Maruly”.  She will be deeply missed, but Maria has left a legacy of life lessons, values, beliefs, hopes and dreams for her children and grandchildren. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria Oliva, please visit our floral store.