Aura M. Salcines passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at her home in the Port Reading section of Woodbridge Township, surrounded by family and friends. She was 95 years old.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, on May 16, 1931, Aura came to the United States in 1945 at the age of 14 and quickly fell in love with New York City, especially Manhattan. It was there that she met Arsenio “Sam” Salcines, the man who would become her husband. The two married in 1957 and built a life and family together.

Aura worked as a clerk with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City for several years until 1960. She and Sam raised their family in Elizabeth before she later made her home in Woodbridge Township.

She was a talented cook and enjoyed preparing the dishes her family came to know and love, including her chicken and rice. She also had a creative spirit and enjoyed embroidery, knitting, and ceramics. Most of all, Aura cherished her family and the time she spent with those she loved.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Sam, in 2006; her son, Edward Salcines, in 2021; and her granddaughter-in-law, Chelsea Milanese, in 2021.

She is survived by her daughter, Denise Milanese and her husband, Joseph, of Woodbridge; her grandchildren, Joseph Milanese, Jr., Alyssa Milanese, and Michael Milanese and his wife, Cassandra; and her great-grandson, Michael Milanese, Jr.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. from Costello-Greiner Funeral Home, 44 Green Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095. A Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Rosary Church at Good Shepherd Parish in Hopelawn. Entombment will follow at Saint Gertrude Cemetery Mausoleum in Colonia.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Aura’s memory and would be greatly appreciated by her family.