Maria Niotis’ mother found herself overwhelmed with grief when she approached her daughter’s casket on Friday.
The 17-year-old from New Jersey, tragically taken by an alleged stalker in a heartbreaking hit-and-run that also claimed the life of her friend, was honored as a “remarkable young lady” during a heartfelt service with grieving loved ones mourning a life that ended far too soon.
More than 100 heartbroken family members and friends filled St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union, many of whom were young classmates grappling with the shocking loss.
The church was packed, leaving many standing in the aisles as every pew was filled with attendees.
The priest addressed the mourners, particularly the teens, reminding them, “I know so many of you knew Maria, and now you carry her memory with you.”
He also expressed the deep sadness and frustration shared by the family and the community at this tragic time.
Maria’s remains lay in a white casket adorned with a Greek flag and a bouquet of red roses resting on top. When her mother, Foulla Niotis, reached the front of the church, she was overcome with emotion, weeping beside her daughter’s casket.
“Today, I stand before you not just as a mother, but as her mother, a title that brings me immense pride,” Foulla shared outside the wake the previous night.
“Her laughter could brighten the darkest days, and her compassion for others was boundless,” she conveyed, as reported in a video by NJ.com.
Foulla admitted she wakes every morning hoping for a sign that her daughter’s tragic death was merely a nightmare.
“I long to hear her sweet voice saying, ‘I love you, Mom and Dad,'” she remarked.
The church was beautifully decorated with at least 16 bouquets of flowers.
A collection of photographs displayed throughout the church, from Maria’s infancy to her teenage years, captured the love she had from her family and the many friendships she forged in just 17 years.
These images depicted her radiant smile—whether frolicking in a ball pit, enjoying beach outings as a child, or relishing time with her parents and twin brother, as well as with friends.
Other photos showcased her engaging in joyful moments with friends, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and shining during family vacations.
In her obituary, Maria’s family shared her aspirations of graduating high school and pursuing a successful career in cosmetology.
Originally from Greece, she spent the majority of her life in Cranford. At the time of her passing, she was navigating her senior year at Cranford High School.
Maria and her best friend Isabella Salas lost their lives when 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro allegedly struck their e-bike at an alarming speed of 70 mph on a street in Cranford.
Friends and family have stated that Battiloro had been stalking Maria for months, including incidents of him lingering in a car outside her home.
He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is currently in custody, facing court in juvenile proceedings.
During the funeral, the priest led the service without any eulogies delivered by family members or friends, which is not uncommon in Greek Orthodox practice.
He acknowledged, “In this crowd, I see many young people here to pay their respects to Maria,” and on behalf of the family, he expressed gratitude for everyone’s presence to honor the life of this remarkable young woman taken too soon.
The wake for Isabella is scheduled for Saturday at Dooley Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service on Monday at Fairview Cemetery.
