Maxima Ebreo-Kerns Obituary (1927

Maxima Cruz Ebreo-Kerns of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, returned to her Creator on May 9, 2023. She was six days shy of her 96th birthday. Ched, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was born May 15, 1927, in Pulilan, Bulacan, Philippines. Her parents were Luis Cruz and Soledad Dionisio, and she had seven sisters and one brother, all who predeceased her. She was married to the late Miguel Ebreo, and later in life, to the late Gordon Kerns. She is survived by her son, Arnold and his wife Maureen Ebreo, and her daughter Leinina and her husband Andrew Donnelly. She had another son, Fiorello Ebreo, who predeceased her. She also had stepchildren Laura Sanders and Gerald Kerns. Ched was blessed with granddaughters Angelina Ebreo, who is married to Michael Murray, Theresa and Katherine Ebreo, and Michaela and Maxine Donnelly. She was delighted when her great-grandson, Noah Murray, came into her life. Ched earned a bachelor's degree, as well as a master's degree in education from the University of the Philippines. In New York, she completed a course towards a professional diploma in personnel management at Fordham University. At Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University), she finished a course that led to a Certificate in Special Education. She successfully took courses in gerontology at Seton Hall University and at Kean College (now Kean University). She has had extensive training in management at state-sponsored training programs and workshops. She was a member of the Kean College of New Jersey Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional education fraternity noted for its rigid method of screening applicants for membership. She served as head of the Social Studies department at Eulogio Rodriguez, Jr. High School in Quezon City, Philippines. Up to the time she left the Philippines for the United States in the late sixties, Ched was a full-time professor at Manuel L. Quezon University College of Education where she taught social science courses. In the United States, her career began as education consultant for Neighborhood Youth Corps, Department of Human Resources, New York City. She retired as Regional Supervisor, Department of Youth and Family Services, State of New Jersey. She was also a retired Adjunct Professor, Kean University, New Jersey and College of Staten Island (CUNY). Ched wanted to be remembered as an educator and a community leader. She founded New Jersey- based Filipiniana Society, Inc., served as its first president, and subsequently as chairman of its board of trustees. She also co-founded the Monroe Township Filipino American Association. As she entered the last chapter of her life, Ched turned to her Creator. She prayed unceasingly for God's divine mercy, not just for herself, but for the whole world. When she was no longer physically able to go to church, she "attended" the daily Mass on EWTN. Maxima Cruz Ebreo-Kerns led a purpose-driven life, a long life that was well-lived. Services will begin 9:15 a.m. Saturday May 13th at the Lester Memorial Home, Jamesburg followed by a 10 a.m. funeral liturgy at Nativity of Our Lord RC Church, Monroe Township. Burial will be in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, NJ. Visiting hours for family and friends will be Friday 4-8 p.m. and Saturday 8:15-9:15 a.m. at the funeral home. Donations in the name of Mrs. Ebreo-Kerns may be made to The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa at www.czestochowa.us/services/donations.