Obituary of Maria Soto

Maria Dioselina Soto

“Mamá Diosa”
June 13, 1933 – August 17, 2025

Maria Dioselina “Mamá Diosa” Soto, age 92, of West Orange, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.

Born on June 13th, 1933, in Talara, Perú, Maria was the daughter of the late Julia Mogollón and Manuel Soto. Her life was a testament to strength, perseverance, and unwavering love. Through every hardship and triumph, Maria forged a legacy defined by courage, humor, and deep familial devotion. She was the resilient and spirited matriarch of her family—known for her spontaneity, wisdom, and generosity. Her warm laughter, sharp wit, and unshakeable spirit brought joy and strength to all who knew her.

Maria was the heart of a large and loving family. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom carries forward her enduring spirit. Maria is lovingly survived by her six devoted children: Maria Vera, Esther Vera, Cristobal Vera (Laura), Marlene Vera (Enrique), Giovanna Vera, and Marco Vera (Julia). She was a proud and deeply cherished grandmother to Michael (Marjorie), Karla (Edwin), Lissette (Luisa), Karen (William), Caroline, Dustin, Albert (Chadia), Kimberly (Robert), Anna, Maryalexandra (James), Marydioselyn (Camely), Thaina, Justin, Dominick, Jesus. Her legacy continues through the joyful presence of her great-grandchildren: Matthew, Madison, Sebastian, Emma, Laia, Kaymarily, Camil, Penelope, Inaya, Lucas and Aliya. Each of them carries a piece of her strength, love, and light in their hearts.

Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Cristobal Vera Serpa; her parents, Julia Mogollón and Manuel Soto; her siblings, Maria Agripina Soto and Victor Soto; her grandson, Christopher Dustin Samanamu; and her son-in-law, Oscar Jimenez Parra.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, August 22nd, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange. A funeral mass in celebration of Maria’s life will be held on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Orange, NJ. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ.

Maria “Mamá Diosa” Soto will be remembered as a pillar of strength and joy—a woman whose presence lit up every room and whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know and love her.