Luz Maria De La Rosa

Luz Maria De La Rosa, lovingly known as Lucy, age 84, died suddenly in Cooper hospital in Camden, NJ, on April 28, 2026, surrounded by family, after a prolonged battle with health issues.

She was born on June 12, 1941 in Utuado, Puerto Rico to Eladio and Cristina Acosta. She had four siblings, two sisters Hilda Echevarria, and Gloria Acosta, and two brothers, Luis Acosta and Jose Acosta.

She graduated high school in 1958 in Utuado, Puerto Rico. She attended SDA college of Mayaguez for 1 year studying nursing. In 1959 she met the love of her life, Alberto De La Rosa, in Angeles, Utuado. Six months later, they started the journey of their romance. On May 14, 1960, she relocated to Vineland, NJ and he relocated to Bridgeton, NJ. They continued their relationship and it progressed into marriage on September 10, 1961, in Vineland, NJ. They were married for 64 years and in that time they went on to have 2 daughters, Damaris and Madelin.

She was a clothing factory worker for 6 months and then went on to work at Newcomb hospital as a Nurse’s Aide for 23 years. She took pride in providing care to all of her patients and treated each as if they were her own. She was often complimented for her thorough, kind, and caring ways. She enjoyed what she did and talked about it for many years throughout her retirement.

Lucy really enjoyed gardening, and had a green thumb. She loved growing many different fruits and vegetables, but above all loved adorning her house and yard with flowers. She had a passion for all types of birds, especially red cardinals. Practically every room of her house had some form of cardinal decoration.

Spending time with her family was her greatest joy. She loved watching as her family grew with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nothing gave her more pleasure than to have them come visit. She would never want them to leave. No amount of time was long enough, she always wanted extend your visit.

Many in the family will remember her many acts of kindness, her amazing cooking, and her many wonderful family get togethers at her home. She loved hosting family events. This went on for years until her health condition made it impossible for her. She also loved to take charge in the organization of the church luncheons and church holiday dinners. She held various roles in our church throughout the years. Anything that she could do related to church or for the Lord, was never too much. She was a pillar of faith in our family. She was a prayer warrior, and taught her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that the Lord was to always be prioritized. She always said “Put God in first place.” She always reminded her family to put everything in God’s hands regardless of how insurmountable the problem or issue was. She whole heartedly believed that the study of God’s word, the Bible, was first and foremost. This was evidenced as they did daily Bible reading, devotional, their daily Sabbath school lessons, and prayer throughout the day.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Alberto De La Rosa, her two daughters, Damaris Bennett (Richard), Madelin Villanueva (Enrique); her six grandchildren, Albert Diaz (Jenel), John Diaz (Lorena), Paul Diaz (Erica), Jaqueline Macri (Alessandro), Jazlyn Cintron (Jomar), Jailyn Villanueva; great grandchildren, Marcos Diaz (Ivy), Hallie Diaz, Nathan Diaz, Taina Betancourt, Jariel Betancourt, Gabriel Betancourt, and Lily Diaz.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents Eladio Acosta and Cristina Acosta, her brothers, Jose Acosta and Luis Acosta, and her sisters Hilda Echevarria and Gloria Acosta, her beloved nephew Joe Acosta, and her beloved niece Evelyn Beltran.

Family and friends are invited to gather for the viewing tonight (Thursday, April 30th) from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Vineland Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church, 230 W. Chestnut Ave. Vineland, NJ. and again on Friday, May 1st from 11:00 - 1:00 pm. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. Following the service, Lucy will be laid to rest in Siloam Cemetery, Vineland.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.