On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Nitza Yolanda Mariano received her heavenly wings. Nitza Yolanda was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She loved dancing, traveling, taking walks in the park, and was known for her infectious laugh.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, to Emilio and Providencia Hernandez, Nitza moved to New York with her parents during her early life. Growing up in the Bronx, she enjoyed being part of a large family. Nitza met her husband, the late Porfirio A. Mariano, M.D., in New York. Eventually moving to New Jersey where she raised her two children. Nitza worked alongside her husband at his medical practice and served as an Auxiliary Board Member supporting the Hispanic American Medical Association (HAMA) of Central Jersey.

Nitza Yolanda is survived by her beautiful family;  her daughter, Celeste Eppinger - wife of the late Michael Eppinger; her son and his wife, Angel and Jenny Mariano; her beloved grandchildren and their spouses - Adrianna and Davis Meiering and Brennan and Andrea Eppinger; her great-grandson, August Michael; as well as her four remaining siblings, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 12:30PM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

The visitation for Nitza Yolanda will begin at 11:00AM until the time of the service.

Interment will occur immediately following the conclusion of the funeral services at the Lawrenceville Cemetery, 3001 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. 

Nitza loved all yellow flowers. In honor of her,  the family is requesting all floral arrangements preferably be in yellow so that Nitza is surrounded by her favorite floral color.