Maria Antonia Lucian "Cooke", age 56, of East Haven, passed away on December 6, 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital with her loving family by her side. She was born on March 6, 1967 in New Haven, Connecticut, to Joann (Vena) Lucian of New Haven and the late Rocco A. Lucian.

Maria worked 30 plus years for Yale University Hospitality.  Maria was the first person each student greeted when they entered the dining hall.  She welcomed them with open arms and the students absolutely adored and loved her.

Maria is the beloved sister of Patricia (Frank) Ahern Jr., Joann (Salvatore) DeMatteo, Rocanne (Paul) Kikosicki, Jr., and Antonia (Norman) Singer, Jr.

Also survived by one niece; Marigrace Singer, and three nephews; Rocco Ahern, Frank Ahern III, and Christopher Singer.

She was predeceased by her twin sister Patricia Katherine Lucian; maternal grandparents Salvatore (Pasqualina Martucci) Vena, and paternal grandparents Dominic (Maria Aceto) Lucian.

There are no calling hours. All attending are to go directly to the church for a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Saint Anthony Church, 70 Washington Avenue, New Haven, at 9am.  Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. The Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com.