Manville, NJ- Ana Mercedes "Dita" (nee Angel) de Sanchez, 84, passed away on February 14, 2017 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Colombia, South America to the late Jose Gregorio and Aminta (Gonzalez) Angel, she moved from Colombia to Hackensack, NJ, and to Keyport, NJ before settling in Manville in 2003.

Dita was an accomplished seamstress with the fashion brand, Escada.  Dita was known by her large and loving family for her sense of humor and infectious laugh.  She had a talent for knitting, crocheting and passed down her love of crafting to her daughters.  An adventurous spirit, she enjoyed dancing and traveling on vacations.  Most of all, she adored her ever growing family and welcomed everyone with a kind smile.

Besides her parents, Dita was predeceased by her beloved husband Alfonso Sanchez on January 18, 2002, brother Alvaro Angel in 1980 and her sister in-law Ines Angel in 2016.

Dita is survived by her loving daughters, Olga Gruszka and her husband Albert of Manville, NJ and Nydia Cawley and her husband John of Highland Lakes, NJ; and dear sister, Teresa Angel of Little Ferry, NJ.  She will be deeply missed by six cherished grandchildren, Carlos Andres Veron and spouse Roberto, Olga Shorts and husband Justin, John Alexander Cawley and wife Amy, Paul Ryan Gruszka, Lauren Cristina Gruszka, and Margaret Anne Cawley; and two precious great grandchildren, Brody and Collin Shorts with one great-grandbaby on the way.  She also leaves behind her adored nephew, Mario Oramas, his wife Angela and their children Cheyenne and Gregory.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend viewing at Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 on Thursday, February 16 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, February 17 from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 17 beginning 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a 10:00 a.m. funeral liturgy at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Somerville. Dita will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 1066 Millstone River Road, Hillsborough, NJ.  Memorial contributions may be made in Ana's name to the American Heart Association, 1 Union Street, #301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691-4183.