Maria Julia Ribeiro

Maria Julia Ribeiro, 87, of Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026.

Born on February 18, 1938, in Torres Vedras, Portugal, Maria’s life carried her across continents and cultures. She moved first to France and later immigrated to the United States, where she proudly became an American citizen. She built her early life in Union, later living in Hillside and Newark before retiring to the Jersey Shore in Spring Lake Heights.

Maria devoted most of her working years to The Hilton Manufacturing Company in Linden, where she crafted top‑quality men’s suits with remarkable precision and pride. Her artistry extended into her home life as well—she made clothing for herself and her family, creating dresses, pants, and beautifully tailored business suits. She also crocheted and embroidered, filling her home and the homes of loved ones with handmade pieces that carried her warmth.

A gifted cook, Maria blended the flavors and traditions she learned in Portugal and France into meals that brought people together. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, generosity, and quiet joy.

Maria lived with honesty at the center of everything she did. She believed deeply in keeping her word, paying her debts, and living within her means. Her frugality wasn’t about scarcity—it was about respect, responsibility, and gratitude for what she had. Long before sustainability became a trend, she reused and repurposed with creativity and purpose.

Her greatest devotion was to her family. She cared lovingly for her grandchildren when they were young, tended to her elderly mother, and supported her ill brother with unwavering compassion. Her life was defined not by grand gestures, but by steady, everyday acts of love.

Maria is survived by her husband, Joao Ribeiro; her daughter, Celia Longendyck, and husband Bob; her grandsons Joshua Ribeiro (Ashton), Clay Ribeiro (Jamie), Timothy Valle, Brandon Ribeiro, and David Longendyck; and her great‑grandsons Vasco and Leo. She is also survived by a large extended family of nieces and cousins across Portugal, France, and the United States.

She was predeceased by her father Julio Luis Macieira, her mother Iria DaConceicao Luis, her son Carlos M. Ribeiro, and her two brothers.

Maria leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship, integrity, resilience, and love—values she lived every day and passed on to those fortunate enough to know her.

Services are Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com