Maria Nieves, 83, a resident of New York City since 1951 and formerly of Puerto Rico, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 22, 2009.

She was born in Rincon, Puerto Rico on January 24, 1926, one of eleven children of Juan Rodriguez and Andrea Rodriguez Carrero.  Previously, she has been a parishioner of St. John Vianney Church in the Bronx. Maria was a great "handywoman" and was very creative using limited resources.  She enjoyed crafts and fixing things around the house.

On December 25, 1951 in New York City, Maria married Pedro Nieves who survives at home.  She is also survived by her sons, Edwin Nieves, C.S.M. George Nieves (U.S. Army) and his wife, MaryBeth of Texas and Nelson Nieves and his wife, Susan of Hopewell Junction; her sister, Candy Puente of the Bronx; her grandchildren, Marisa, Ashley, Lisa Marie, Jennifer, David, Joshua and Laura; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at the Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in Hopewell Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.