Maria S. Melendez

Maria Sanchez Melendez, 81 of New Haven died peacefully with her loving family by her side on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, St. Raphael Campus. Maria was born in Gurabo, Puerto Rico on June 1, 1934, a daughter of the late Rufo and Berta Sanchez Melendez, and had resided in New Haven for the past forty eight years. She was a seamstress for five years in the garment district in New York City, and later worked at Lender's Bagel Bakery of West Haven for an additional five years. She was an active member of the Second Star of Jacob Church and Iglesia Manuel Camino de Restauracion of New Haven. Maria is survived by a daughter, Velma "Lissy" Melendez of New Haven, two sons, Juan (Rosa) Melendez and Edwin (Nguyen) Melendez of North Haven, three sisters, Aida (Concepcion Loiz) Melendez, Ruth (Eliuí Carrion) Melendez and Alberta (Luis Morales) Melendez, all of Gurabo, three brothers, Aguedo (Leticia) Melendez of Wallingford, Juan R. (Lydia) Melendez of Humacao, PR, and Luis R. (Solinas Diaz) of Gurabo, and five grandchildren, Vanessa, Daisy, Lily, Iris and Eunice Melendez. She was predeceased by three brothers, Jorge, René and Pedro Melendez.

Maria's family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the Rev. Armando Hernandez officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com

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