Maria Zenaida Tellez-Calin went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at the age of 95. She was Mami to her children, Abuela to her grandchildren, and Maria, Zenaida or Amiga to her friends.

Maria was born in Manzillo, Cuba on April 19, 1928. She was the seventh of eight children born to the late Manuela Vega Ferral and Pedro Tellez: Pedro, Louis, Enrique, Cesar, Ana Elia, Pilar, Maria Zenaida and Heriberto. Maria came to Alexandria, Virginia at the age of 18. It took tremendous courage to leave her family and home country at such a young age, where she would encounter new cultures and learn a new language. Upon arrival in the United States, Maria worked as a nanny prior to meeting her husband, Sergeant First Class Herman Joseph Calin (deceased December 21, 1989). As a military wife she was stationed at bases in California, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and New Jersey. Her final military residence in Fort Dix, New Jersey led to her home for more than 30 years in Willingboro, New Jersey. Maria cherished attending mass at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Willingboro, New Jersey, where she was a faithful member for many years. Maria spent her final ten years under the wonderful care of her youngest son, Miguel in Maryland.

Family was important to Maria. During her 24-year marriage, six children were born: Peter, Cintia, Linda, Carlos, Mario and Miguel. Maria spent years raising her own children as well as providing support for her grandchildren and friends. She was a generous and dedicated person, giving her time to anyone in need. She enjoyed socializing and easily made friends. Above all else, Maria always treasured spending time with family along the way.

Maria was a fantastic cook and seamstress, sewing everything from curtains to sequined dresses and suits. She worked at the Burlington Coat Factory for many years. Her favorite pastimes included passion for music and dancing. Mambo, Salsa, Rumba, Cha-Cha-Cha; you name it, Maria danced it! She began dancing at an early age with her brothers at home and continued throughout her life at bailes . In addition to upbeat music, she was especially fond of the songs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Ave Maria". Maria loved to travel. Her favorite color was yellow. Maria nurtured the many green plants inside and outside her home and reserved a special love for her favorite flowers: gardenias, mums and camellias. Maria transcended time with her elegance, style, determination, and independent mindset.

Maria is survived by her six children and family: Peter Joseph Calin & wife Geri of Miami, Florida; Cintia Zenaida Johnson & husband Lamont of Ashburn, Virginia; Linda Maria Tapsell & husband Ken of Mooresville, North Carolina; Carlos Juaquin Calin of Westampton, New Jersey; Mario Miguel Calin & wife Caroline of Erial, New Jersey and Miguel Angel Calin of Mt. Airy, Maryland. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Angelina, Avery, Caroline, Cassandra, Christian, Coleman, Danielle, Jasmine, Jude, Kanisha, Kenae, Lamont II, Lindey, Michael, Nicole, Peter II, and Sadé; and 11 great-grandchildren: Ava, Emanuel, Emrys, Jaydin, Jett, Kyrah, Makani, Me'i, Naomi, Omni and Zanyda.

We love you and miss you Mami/Abuela. We will strive to honor all we learned from you, with love.

Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Thursday , August 31,2023, 10:30am at the Corpus Christi R,C,Church, 11 South Sunset Road, Willingboro,NJ. Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing Thursday morning, 9am-10am at the Goes – Scolieri Funeral Home, 212 Veterans Parkway, Willingboro,NJ,08046. (609)871-1000. Interment : Princeton Memorial Park, Robbinsville,NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Maria Zenaida Tellez-Calin to your preferred house of worship, local food bank, Alzheimer's research organization or charity of your choice.

                                   Our Heartfelt Thank You ~ Nuestro más Sincero Agradecimiento

The family wishes to thank everyone for the many expressions of kindness, love, and support shown to us and our Mami/Abuela throughout her life. May God continue to bless, guide and keep each of you in His tender loving care.