Maria Antonia Rios

Maria Antonia (Perez) Rios, 70, of Lunenburg, died peacefully Thursday, October 17, 2024, in UMass Memorial HealthAlliance Hospital, Leominster.

Born in Manhattan, New York, on March 13, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Antonio Perez and Rosalina Crespo. She was an office clerk employed by the Conair Corporation for several years until her retirement. 

Maria, a devout Christian, was known for her praying regularly and her active congregant of the New Life Spanish Christian Church of Fitchburg. She enjoyed cooking, playing games on her iPad, and watching her favorite television shows. However, her greatest joy and blessing in life was her family, and she treasured all the special moments they shared. 

Maria is survived by her daughter, Sonia Mack-Velez and her husband Thomas Mack of New Jersey; a son, Antonio Velez Jr. and his wife Janeth of Lunenburg; four grandchildren, Priscilla Miranda, Antonio M. Velez, Alexander M. Velez and Nayomi Torres; four sisters, Nancy Perez of Puerto Rico, Ada Laguer of New Jersey, Judith Laguer of New Hampshire, and Linda Perez; four brothers, Ivan Laguer of New Jersey, Nelson Laguer and his wife Delise of Puerto Rico, Antonio Perez and his wife Wilma Rivera of Puerto Rico and Florentino Mercado of New Jersey ; several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Rafael Rios; and two brothers, Salvadore Perez and Victor Laguer. 

A Calling Hour will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the New Life Spanish Christian Church, 63 Fairmount Street, Fitchburg, MA. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Life Spanish Christian Church, 63 Fairmount Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Please reference in memory of Maria Antonia Rios.