Maria Gaines

Queen Maria Del Carmen Gaines transitioned on October 16, 2024, in Tampa, FL at the early age of 62. She was born on June 29, 1962, to Walter Gaines and Maria Ester Reyes in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico but grew up and spent most of her time in Jersey City, NJ. Maria was a devoted mother, sister, blessed daughter. friend, a warrior Queen and woman of God.

Breaking historical grounds, Maria was the 1st Hispanic Correctional Sergeant with the Hudson County Department of Corrections retiring with the rank of Sergeant after having served with honor for 26 years and 11 months. She held a New Jersey State Public Manager Certification and while working in corrections served as the Honor Guard Commander, Home Confinement and Work/Study Release Program Monitor; Maximum Security Supervisor, Records/Bail/Booking and Discharge Officer and Housing Unit Officer.

Maria, known by most lovingly as Titi, was not only a dedicated mother until her last breath, but was loyal, real, and the Truth lived in her. Titi extended herself beyond her family & friends. She gave her love to many people in Marion Garden Projects, Van Wagon, East Orange, NJ & more recently, Tampa, FL. She enjoyed spending time not only with family and friends but also with her husky “Joy Joy”. Titi cherished everyone around her so much carrying around a camera most times to make sure she captured beautiful moments with the ones closest to her. 

She was a single mother of 4 children at the age of 23 and kept all of her children close. There was never a day that any of her children were hungry because Maria’s motto was always having food in your home and always Thank God for all. She was a praying woman, a woman of honor, a fighter and a mentor. She was the epitome of what a woman is in every aspect. She demonstrated consistency throughout her entire life with any relationship she had, like the beautiful bond she shared with one of her oldest best friends and sister, Clair. 

Titi was fun and energetic as she always looked to put a smile on someone’s face, feed someone and help anyone when she could. She showed her children & the people around her what unconditional love was. She was independent, soft, loving, caring, daring and courageous. She was a force to be reckoned with.  If you experienced Titi, then you felt the love of God operate through her. Faith over Fear was a motto she often said. 

She is survived by her life partner of 23 years Luis Oyola, her four brothers, Henry Gaines, Walter Gaines, Edwin Gaines, and Antonio Gaines, her four children, Shariff Lopez, Juan Lopez, Maria Lopez, and Ruben Lopez and ten grandchildren, Jewelz Lopez, Diamond Lopez, Gabriel Lopez, Ruben Lee Lopez, Icyss Lopez, Juan “JJ” Lopez, Mercedes Lopez, Ava Lopez, Wesley Pride, and Ajalon Pride & her first great grand child Little Rube Rube Rube.

Maria is lovingly remembered by all her many family, friends, co- workers and all those she touched and encountered. 

*****End*******

She battled until her last breathe as she documented the treatment and the way she was cared by staff & loved ones. She was absolutely full of life, always moving and her energy couldn’t be matched. The spirit inside of her lit up like a Christmas tree & her mind was always thinking of strategies to combat the problems of the world. She sought out and respected. She was strong and brave and would battle in the streets of Jersey with anyone who messed with her family. She was vocal about her feelings & she listened carefully to your words and observe closely of your actions. Titi was fun and energetic as she always looks to put a smile on someone’s face, feed someone and help anyone that she could. She used all her wisdom, skills and life’s experiences to teach, encourage and support. She enjoyed making up Game nights and events, plus you can add her Great Grand Child.

- She passed away in Riverview Florida.

- She was born in Rio Piedras Puerto Rico.

- She enjoyed, cooking, was a master dominoes player and she loved R&B, house music, more mature music & salsa music of which her favorite artist was Frankie Ruiz.

- Breaking historical grounds, Titi was the 1st Hispanic Correctional Sergeant with the Hudson County Department of Corrections retiring with the rank of Sergeant after having served with honor for 26 years and 11 months. 

She held a New Jersey State Public Manager Certification and served as the Honor Guard Commander, 

Home Confinement and Work/Study Release Program Monitor

Maximum Security Supervisor 

Records/Bail/Booking and Discharge Officer

And Housing Unit Officer.

Faith over Fear,

Juan Lopez Gaines

Sankt Gutmann Club

“Veteran Owned”

President 

(757) 739-7007

https://www.sanktgutmann.com

Linked-in: http://LinkedIn.com/in/juan-lopez-0b779073

Internet Profile & Resume 

https://wikitia.com/wiki/Juan_Lopez_Gaines

“We need continue to show support & love to all organizations, people and businesses”

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