Graciela Maura Moreno

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Graciela Maura Moreno of North Bergen, NJ.

Graciela was born and raised in Lima, Peru and was one of four children to Raymond and Esther Moreno.  Graciela's journey is one of relentless dedication and passion for healthcare. After earning her bachelor's and master's degrees at the prestigious Universidad of St. Marcos in Peru, she embarked on a career path that would shape lives and communities. As a registered nurse, Graciela not only provided compassionate care but also took on the responsibility of educating the next generation of nurses. Her expertise became invaluable as she taught and trained aspiring nurses at various local hospitals, instilling in them the same unwavering commitment to excellence and patient well-being that defined her own career.  While assigned as a teacher in Peru, one of Graciela’s former teachers recommended her to the Kellogg Scholarship foundation in the United States.  This would be Graciela’s first visit the US. 

Graciela later visited the United States while her sister Ana Maria was pregnant with her second child.  Upon her return to Peru, Graciela's life took a significant turn when her beloved mother passed away, leaving her feeling somewhat adrift. However, in the late 1980’s, amidst her grief, hope emerged in the form of her sister Ana Maria's petition to bring her to the United States. With a heavy heart, Graciela embarked on a new chapter, leaving behind her homeland for the promise of a fresh start. Her family’s support and the prospect of new opportunities in the US provided solace and strength to Graciela during this time in her life.

Upon arriving in the United States, Graciela settled in Wayne with her sister Ana Maria.  She later moved to North Bergen, NJ where she has been ever since.  Graciela immediately signed up to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse in the United States.  After passing the exam, Graciela found employment quickly as a registered nurse with Bellevue Hospital in New York City.  After working there for several years, Graciela left Bellevue Hospital and accepted a position at Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, NY.  Graciela worked with Lincoln Hospital for the next fifteen years until her retirement in 2013.  

Graciela enjoyed keeping herself healthy and in shape through exercise and yoga.  She was truly dedicated to her family and to her Catholic Faith.  Graciela was a parishioner of St Augustine Church in Union City, NJ.  She treasured traveling to Canada and destinations in the US such as Florida and Washington DC.  She also traveled extensively throughout South America including the countries of Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil.  

Graciela was smart and inquisitive.  She was an avid reader and cherished educating herself with information pertaining to her profession and healthcare practice in general.  Graciela's apartment was more than just a living space, it was a canvas for her green thumb and a sanctuary of flowering beauty. On her balcony and porch, Graciela's creativity bloomed as she carefully arranged an array of colorful flowers. Gardening became her daily ritual, a source of joy and tranquility. 

Graciela was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her.  She will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.

Graciela is survived by her sister Ana Maria Koppel and her husband Robert of Wayne, her two brothers; Raymond Moreno and his wife Klelia of West New York, NJ, and Francisco Sanchez and his wife Rosa of Paterson, NJ, eight nephews; Kevin Koppel, Andrew Koppel, Italo Moreno, Diego Moreno, Randy Moreno, Carlos Sanchez, Ivan Sanchez, and Luis Sanchez, and two nieces; Teresa Moreno, and Rosa Sanchez.