Maria Freitas, 81, of Jackson died suddenly in the comfort of her home. Born in Newark, she resided in Jackson for 57 years. She graduated from Georgian Court University in 1981 with her Master’s in Education. She taught elementary education for Howell Township Board of Education for 30-plus years. She was active in her community throughout her life and was a member of the Masonic Eastern Star in Newark. As a mother, Maria supported her two daughters, coaching cheer for Jackson Pop Warner and Jackson Memorial High School, while also judging swim meets at the Lakewood YMCA. She also was her grandkids’ biggest cheerleader, attending every sporting event and activity they participated in. The most important thing to her was her family, spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time and grabbing lunch with her cousins. Surviving are her daughters, Kim Freitas & Dana Citron; five grandchildren, James, Samantha, Matthew, Dylan, and Devyn Citron; sisters Juanita Levant & husband William and Dolores Centolanza & husband Louis; and her six nephews. She will be missed by her family, many cousins and friends. Cremation is private. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. We will miss her dearly and, in her memory, you can make a donation to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38101.